Family affair as Papa John's Trophy tie throws up father versus son scenario

The Papa John's Trophy, despite having its fair share of detractors, always manages to throw up the its fair share of intriguing quirks and backstories.

In the past we've seen numerous stars of tomorrow make their debuts in the tournament whilst the showpiece finals for consecutive seasons were once famously staged in successive days, owing to the pandemic.

And Tuesday night sees surely another first for the competition, when a father comes up against his son.

Simon Grayson, manager of Fleetwood, takes his team to Barrow. Among those hoping to line up for the hosts will be Simon's son Joe.

Simon Grayson, boss of Fleetwood

Joe, a defender, started his career at Blackburn Rovers but upon his release this summer he joined the League Two side.

He is hoping for a run of consistent games and to that end Tuesday's meeting offers a good barometer of where his, and his team's game is at against a higher division side.

Simon, who took up the reins at Fleetwood in January, is now in his eighth EFL post.

Despite all that experience, and having managed giants such as Leeds United and Sunderland, he admits the most nervous he has felt in football was watching Joe's senior debut in a Carabao Cup tie in 2018.

Joe Grayson's Barrow come up against his dad's Fleetwood team

Speaking to the Athletic ahead of Tuesday's game at Holker Street, Grayson senior said: "I was far more nervous than at any moment in my own career.

"As a player, I was in charge of my own destiny. Even as a manager, I've set up the team. Watching your son play, though, you can't do anything but hope.

"Whenever Joe got the ball on his debut, all I could think was, 'Just make sure you keep it safe'. I was on tenterhooks, probably because he was at a level where there are real consequences."

Since then Joe found opportunities limited and after loans at Grimsby and Oxford he left Ewood Park this summer.

Joe Grayson struggled for game time at Blackburn but is now a regular with Barrow

Now at Barrow, he wants to put together a solid block of games. He's made 11 appearances already this term and hopes he will get the chance to come up against his dad tomorrow.

As for Grayson senior, whilst obviously wanting the best for his son he admits that family matters will be put aside until the final whistle blows.

"The bottom line for me is, once he's on the pitch, he is the opposition," added the 51-year-old.

"And I want to beat him. I hope he does all right but the best I can say is we win the game and he's not to blame for any of the goals!"