Request for Trophy final date to be changed

TRANMERE Rovers have formally requested a change of date for their Papa

John’s Trophy final against Sunderland.

That’s according to their vice chair, Nicola Palios, who has admitted contacting the EFL following details announced on Monday of the government’s roadmap out of lockdown.

This year’s final at Wembley is scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 14 – just 24 hours after Pompey take on Salford City for the right to be crowned 2020 winners at the same venue.

Current plans mean both matches will therefore proceed behind closed doors – two months before the government is hoping to allow fans back into games.

Monday, May 17, is the date set aside for fans to return – nine days after the Blues’ final game of the regular season – albeit at reduced numbers, with no more than 10,000 spectators at stadiums with a 40,000-plus capacity.

However, Palios is hopeful that Rovers’ game with Sunderland could be rescheduled until after mid-May in order to allow supporters to be present.

At no point, though, has she referenced the Blues’ fixture with Salford.

Posting on Twitter, Palios said: ‘Would be fantastic if the Papa John’s Trophy final could be pushed back to allow fans in too ... we asked informally last week and have formalised the request today (Monday).

‘Govt are saying 10,000 allowed in Wembley from 17th May.’

One fan questioned the logistics of the request, pointing out that Sunderland have ‘40k gates’.

In response, Palios suggested a ballot for season-ticket holders and recommended fans being allowed in clubs’ home grounds to watch the game on a big screen.

She then suggested the final could be played at the start of next season – an idea Pompey were at one stage open to.

She tweeted: ‘Ballot of ST holders presumably. Surely 10,000 fans is better than none?

‘Plus we could each have 4,000 in our home stadiums to watch on big screen.

‘Or push back to start of next season. A deserted Wembley is a crying shame for players and fans.’

The Blues had sold more than 50,000 for the final against Salford. The club announced last week that refunds had now been processed for the postponed match.