PORTSMOUTH and Salford will finally contest LAST season’s EFL Trophy final NEXT month at Wembley, but the winner will be holders for only 24 HOURS.
The EFL revealed there will be a ‘Wembley Weekender’, with the 2020 and 2021 finals played on successive days in March.
Portsmouth are the current holders of the EFL Trophy – and could win the 2020 trophy in MarchCredit: PA:Empics Sport
The 2020 Checkatrade Trophy final was due to take place last March but was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic and not rearranged for before the start of this current campaign.
It has now been confirmed for March 13 at Wembley. However, the final for this season’s tournament will take place just a day later and also be at the home of football.
With both Pompey – who won it in 2019 – and Salford already out of the rebranded Papa John’s Trophy in 2021, two of Lincoln, Oxford, Sunderland and Tranmere will compete in this season’s final once the semi-final ties are played.
Portsmouth manager Kenny Jackett said: “For players, management, staff and supporters going to Wembley Stadium is always a special occasion and we’re pleased to now have a date for the 2020 final.
“It obviously won’t be the same without the fantastic Pompey supporters there to cheer us on, but we’ll do everything we can to win the game for them.”
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Sunderland are one of the four teams left in this season’s Papa John’s TrophyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Graham Alexander led Salford to the final after a penalty shoot-out win over Newport last February.
However, the League Two club will be led out at Wembleyt by his successor Richie Wellens.
Portsmouth are currently holders after they beat Sunderland on penalties to win the tournament in 2019.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
