ATHLETIC will open their Championship campaign against relegated Dundee at East End Park.

The SPFL have released the fixture list for the 2019/20 season, which will also see them take on Dundee United in their opening three matches.

Stevie Crawford's men will host a Dark Blues side, now under the management of James McPake, that will feature former Par Shaun Byrne, who recently joined them from Livingston, on August 3.

They will then go to Queen of the South and go up against their former management team of Allan Johnston and Sandy Clark, who kept the Doonhamers in the division via the play-offs after taking over from the axed Gary Naysmith.

Robbie Neilson's Dundee United, who missed out on promotion after losing a Premiership play-off final penalty shoot-out to St Mirren, then arrive in West Fife on August 24, before the opening month's games conclude with a visit to Dick Campbell's League One champions Arbroath.

Over the festive period, Athletic supporters face a long trip to Inverness Caledonian Thistle - where they will also end the campaign for a second season in a row - on December 21, before hosting Alloa Athletic and Ayr United on December 28 and January 4 respectively.

In March, there's a midweek trip to Gayfield, while their four fixtures before their final match on May 2 will see them go to Ayr United, host Arbroath, visit Dundee United and host Partick Thistle.

For a full list of fixtures, visit www.spfl.co.uk.

Meanwhile, the club are set to release their new kits later this evening.

They posted 'teaser' shots of their home and away shirts on social media last night (Thursday) before unveiling them to fans today.

They are set to be available to buy at the club's annual open day, which will take place on Sunday June 30 at East End.