Had the National League Play-off final between Torquay United and Hartlepool United been taking place at Wembley, as originally planned, Gulls manager Gary Johnson would be returning to the scene of one of his greatest triumphs as a manager.
It was in the 2013 League One Play-off final that Johnson led Yeovil Town to an unlikely promotion to the Championship when they beat Brentford 2-1 at the home of football. However, with Wembley out of action due to the delayed Euro 2020, the Gulls will be facing the Pools at a ground that holds special memories for Johnson in Ashton Gate.
Johnson was manager of Bristol City between 2005 and 2010. During this time, he led the Robins to promotion from League One as runners-up in the 2006-07 season before they famously reached the 2008 Championship Play-off final against Hull City, where a stunning strike from Dean Windass saw the Tigers win promotion to the Premier League at the expense of Johnson's Robins.
Nevertheless, Ashton Gate was the setting for Johnson's 2006-07 success when the Robins beat an already relegated Rotherham United side 3-1 to secure automatic promotion from the third tier since the 1997-98 campaign. A brace from David Noble gave Bristol City a two goal cushion going into half-time, before former Torquay midfielder Alex Russell struck in the 55th minute to ensure that there was no way back for the Millers, who later pulled one back through Mark Newsham.
Since Johnson left Ashton Gate in 2010, his son Lee has also had a spell in charge between 2016 and 2020 - and he also made a big impact as he led the Robins to the semi-finals of the EFL Cup in the 2017-18 season, beating Manchester United in the quarter finals.
Also, the former Robins in United's playing squad, namely Jake Andrews and Connor Lemonheigh-Evans, will also be keen to do well at the home of their former club.
