Portsmouth skipper's insight into players' thoughts on missing out on Sunday Wembley final date
and live on Freeview channel 276
And the Blues captain has told there’s still a strong desire within the Blues camp to become record breakers at a rescheduled Leasing.com Trophy final with Salford City.
This Sunday was the scheduled date for the blue army to descend on the capital with more than 50,000 tickets sold for the clash at the home of football.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe coronavirus outbreak put paid to that, however, following the suspension to the English game.
And Naylor told how that will be in the thoughts of Kenny Jackett’s players as they maintain social distancing along with the rest of the country.
He said: ‘This weekend should’ve been a big weekend at Wembley with everyone raring to go.
‘We’d be travelling up tomorrow morning and go there to have a look around like we did last year.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad‘Then we’d be preparing for what would’ve been a big occasion for everyone on Sunday.
‘It’s annoying and frustrating. I forget what day it is at the minute. It’s not like I’m thinking we should be playing this game or that game, but my mind has been on April 5 and Wembley.
‘It is a bit sad we can’t play Sunday, but it is what it is. We have to be safe and there’s more important things out there.’
No team has ever retained the trophy in its various guises through the competition’s 37-year history.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdNaylor explained doing that is a motivation for Pompey’s players, with the hope they won’t be denied the kind of occasion many players will never sample in their careers.
He added: ‘Hopefully it can be rescheduled.
‘It was brilliant last year, the whole day, how we went about and won it.
‘The way the lads wanted to get there again could be seen in the Exeter game and the way we came from behind to win it.
‘We want to get back-to-back trophies in this competition because it’s not been done before.
‘It would be nice to make history. That’s what the lads wanted to do.
‘Last year was a great day out, especially with the win. These days don’t always come around that often. ‘
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.