Portsmouth set for Wembley return as new Trophy final date with Salford is set

The Blues have confirmed that their EFL Trophy final against Salford will now take place on Saturday, March 13, behind closed doors, with the home of football to stage the game as originally planned.

Kick-off is at 3pm, with the action to be broadcast live on Sky Sports.

The fixture was due to take place on Sunday, April 5, 2020, but was understandably postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Both clubs and the EFL have struggled ever since to come up with a suitable date for the game to be held.

Indeed, only last month Blues chief executive Mark Catlin raised the prospect of the final being held as an opener to the 2021-22 season.

Meanwhile, fans who purchased tickets for the original match have this week begun receiving their refunds.

However, a date has finally been agreed – the day before this year’s Papa John’s Trophy final, which is being held on Sunday, March 14 – also at Wembley.

Pompey were due to face Peterborough that weekend at London Road in League One, while Salford were scheduled to play host to Barrow in League Two.

But all clubs have agreed for the final to now go-ahead, with the Blues’ trip to Posh to be played at a later date which is yet to be confirmed.

Boss 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.’

Peterborough were this week knocked out of the 2020-21 competition by Tranmere, after getting the better of the Blues the previous round.

Sunderland, Oxford and Lincoln are the other teams left in this term’s competition.