League One clubs kick-off 27-game season in October

Forfar Athletic, Montrose and East Fife fans will get to watch their teams in action next season.

But Cowdenbeath and Brechin City supporters have been forced to wait a bit longer to find out if their clubs will come out of hibernation for a new, shortened campaign.

The SPFL have confirmed that the third-tier clubs have voted in favour of a 27-game season, which will get under way at the same time as the Championship on October 17.

League Two sides are still involved in talks about their future, however.

A statement from the league read: “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 17th.”

SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster 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.”