League One clubs agree to return to competition in October

SPFL League One will return to action on October 17 after clubs agreed a 27-game season for the third tier competition.

Talks have taken place since last season was halted due to the coronavirus pandemic, with a number of options considered to help clubs deal with the impact of lockdown and the effects it had on the game.

While Premiership sides will begin their season behind closed doors from August 1, and Championship clubs agreed a shortened season to kick off in October, League One and two has faced continued uncertainty.

The third tier will now also pay a shortened season with three rounds of fixtures.

An SPFL spokesperson said: “The SPFL Board today announced that League One clubs have voted to approve a 27-game programme for the 2020/21 season, with teams playing each other three times. The altered schedule received resounding support from the clubs in Scotland’s third tier and paves the way for competitive action to return.

“The newly agreed schedule mirrors that of the Championship with both Divisions scheduled to start on October 17^th.

Neil Doncaster, chief executive of the SPFL said: “Following a period of consultation with all League One clubs, they have today formally voted to approve the altered programme for the 2020/21 season. This is positive news and gives clubs a greater level of clarity and, crucially, a target date to aim for.

“Of course, the safety of players and staff at all of the clubs involved will remain paramount, with these dates still contingent on the continued reduction in the virus’s spread.

“Now that we know what next season will look like for League One, work will begin on compiling the competition’s fixture list.”

Discussions regarding arrangements for League 2 remain ongoing.