Start dates fixed for SPFL as final clubs agree return

All of Scotland’s senior clubs now have a return date for competitive football after League Two sides reached agreement on their season.

Premiership sides are already back in full training ahead of an August 1 start date, where they will play behind closed doors as things stand.

Championship clubs agreed a shortened season kicking off in October and League One sides voted on Thursday to adopt the same model from October 17.

At that point there was still no consensus from the fourth tier but League Two sides will now follow the same format, the SPFL has confirmed.

Neil Doncaster, chief executive of the SPFL said: “I’d like to thank all clubs from across the four divisions for their contributions during this consultation period.

“Although the Covid-19 pandemic continues to cause significant challenges, there is now light at the end of the tunnel for professional teams across the country.

“We will, of course, continue to monitor the spread of the virus to make sure that any return to matches is safe for everyone involved and it is vital that we all continue to adhere to the strict protocols which have been put in place.

“While there is still a long way to go before football in this country returns to something resembling normality, these club decisions allow us to plan for a welcome resumption of matches.

“We will continue to consult with Scottish Government and the other stakeholders about when we might expect crowds to return and what Scottish football can do to help progress to this ultimate goal.”