Angus clubs learn first game of the season opponents

Dick Campbell’s men, who finished in second place last season, will make the trip to Somerset Park where they will meet Lee Bullen’s Ayr United.

Down a division Montrose will also be aiming for a repeat of last season’s form when they again attempt for promotion to the Championship.

Stewart Petrie’s side are League One top four regulars and start their 2022/23 campaign with a difficult trip to face Falkirk.

In League Two, Gary Irvine’s Forfar Athletic came agonisingly close to an immediate return to the third tier, beaten only in the promotion play-offs.

Their league season starts with a game against division new boys Bonnyrigg Rose.

SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: “We are very much looking forward to the start of 2022/23, which will be the first season since 2019/20 that capacity crowds have been permitted from day one.

“Despite some pandemic-related restrictions last season, almost 4.5m fans attended games across SPFL competitions and it was fantastic to have supporters back in stadiums in those numbers.

"It’s a hugely exciting time for the Scottish game, with three of our clubs guaranteed European group stage football and lots to look forward to on the domestic front across all four divisions.

“The fixture calendar is somewhat different this year due to the winter World Cup in Qatar but the one constant is the huge interest in Scottish football."