‘Salford clash is still on’
Catlin optimistic on spring date for forgotten Salford clash
POMPEY’s mothballed Wembley visit is still scheduled to take place before this year’s EFL Trophy final.
And according to Mark Catlin, the Football League are continuing to prioritise the admittance of supporters.
The Blues and Salford are still waiting to fulfil their 2019 Leasing.com Trophy final, which was postponed in April following coronavirus.
In the meantime, this campaign’s competition has been unaffected – despite the 2019-20 event being unresolved.
This term’s final is set for Wembley on March 14, with Pompey currently in the last 16 against Peterborough.
Catlin is adamant the suspended final remains pencilled in to take place before that fixture.
And speaking before last night’s announcement of a fresh lockdown, he revealed the Football League are intent on fans being present.
Pompey’s chief executive told The News: ‘I cannot envisage the situation where this year’s final will take place before last year’s final. You couldn’t do that.
‘About 3-4 weeks ago, as fans were coming back, it looked like the plan of getting supporters in to watch the final was taking shape and coming to fruition.
‘However, the current spike seems to have kicked that further into the long grass.
‘Yet it has been the EFL’s intention to play the final – and also with fans.
‘With the roll-out of the vaccine, the government can see a return to some sort of normality, as early as spring.
‘Hopefully that will tie in with the ability to get the game on – and with fans in attendance.
‘I haven’t seen, read or spoken with anyone at the EFL that has suggested last year’s final takes place after this year’s final.’
Pompey are reigning holders of the EFL Trophy, following their penalty shootout triumph over Sunderland in March 2019.
They were meant to defend that title the following year against League Two Salford, yet it is still to take place.
They will visit Peterborough on Tuesday, January 12, seeking to progress in this season’s competition.
Yet, curiously, the Blues will do so as holders and unfulfilled finalists.
Perhaps an indication of what may happen in terms of both finals was the pre-Christmas announcement that this season’s Carabao Cup had been moved from February 28.
This was to improve chances of supporters being in attendance, with it now rescheduled for April 25.
The government has since announced another lockdown, although elite football is being allowed to continue.
And Catlin reiterated that the entire EFL Trophy process is out of Pompey’s hands.
He added: ‘I honestly don’t know what will happen.
‘It’s not within our control, it’s totally at the mercy of the government’s view - and advised by the scientists at that particular time.’