Portsmouth claim EFL Trophy record - by not playing a game

The postponement of the Leasing.com Trophy final against Salford earlier this month ensures the Blues have so far held the trophy for 376 days.

In the competition’s 37-year history, under its various guises and formats, nobody has possessed the silverware for as long.

Obviously these are extenuating circumstances, with the showpiece’s suspension occurring due to the coronavirus crisis.

Similarly, the outbreak of the Second World War dictated Pompey kept the FA Cup for seven years, having won it in 1939.

Although, had Pompey’s final taken place on April 5 as scheduled, they would have equalled Tranmere’s competition record anyway.

Rovers had been holders for 372 days when they returned to Wembley to face Birmingham in May 1991.

On that occasion, however, they suffered a 3-2 defeat, ending a reign which had started on May 20, 1990 following triumph over Bristol Rovers.

Pompey would have shared that record, yet instead now find themselves out in front, admittedly by default.

Incidentally, when the Leasing.com Trophy final gets underway, Kenny Jackett’s men will become the third side in history to return to defend their title – but no-one has yet to succeed.

In May 1986, Bristol City beat Bolton 3-0 and maintained their dominance to reach the final again exactly a year later.

They came agonisingly close to keeping the trophy, with a penalty shoot-out ensuring it was Mansfield who emerged victorious.

As previously mentioned, Tranmere were denied by Birmingham in May 1991, following 372 days as holders.

Pompey, of course, beat Sunderland on penalties on March 31, 2019, to claim the Checkatrade Trophy and have subsequently remained unbeaten, even at group level, to book a return.

Other notable long spells as holders in the EFL Trophy’s history are Wigan 1985-86 (343 days), Bournemouth 1984-85 (342 days), Wolves 1988-89 (325 days) and Stoke 2000-2001 (304 days).

Although none of those clubs managed to return to the final of the competition.

Meanwhile, Birmingham, Grimsby and Bristol City never had the chance to defend their title, having won promotion to Division One/Championship that same season, thereby no longer qualifying.

While Luton were relegated out of the Football League after triumphing 3-2 over Scunthorpe in April 2009.