Of course, Celtic, Aberdeen, Hearts and Hibernian have already started their seasons in European competition, which means they are not involved in the League Cup until after the group stages are over.

It is 40 years since the last time the Scottish League Cup included a group stage.

Aberdeen lifted the trophy under the colourful Ally Macleod, defeating Celtic 2-1 in the final after handing out a 5-1 hammering to Rangers in the semi-final.

Image source, SNS

This year sees a return of the group stage in the League Cup.

Eight sections of five teams will play the round-robin..

It will involve 38 clubs not involved in Champions League or Europa League qualifiers, plus the winners of the Highland League and Lowland League.

Image source, SNS

The final has been moved back to November.

The last time the final took place in the winter months was 29 November 1998, when Rangers defeated St Johnstone 2-1 at Celtic Park. Stephane Guivarc'h and Jorg Albertz got the goals for Rangers, with Nick Dasovic hitting an early goal for St Johnstone.

Image source, SNS

There are three games tonight in the revamped Scottish League Cup.

Airdrieonians v Partick Thistle

Arbroath v Dundee United

Cove Rangers v Raith Rovers

Tomorrow afternoon there are 13 more ties.

Albion Rovers v Greenock Morton

Annan Athletic v Stranraer

Ayr United v Hamilton Academical

Clyde v Kilmarnock

Cowdenbeath v Inverness Caledonian Thistle

East Fife v Dundee

Elgin City v St Johnstone

Forfar Athletic v Dumbarton

Livingston v St Mirren

Montrose v Ross County

Motherwell v Rangers

Queen's Park v Queen of the South

Stirling Albion v Falkirk

So here we are again. It hardly seems like we have been away and, as the golfing world focuses on Royal Troon, the Scottish football public are being presented with a new domestic season, a new earlier start - and a new League Cup format.