news-engine

Tennent's Sixes to return this autumn as iconic legends tournament revived Heroes of the recent past will don the official club kits of this season, on the weekend of October 3 and 4, with every moment set to be shown live on Premier Sports. An iconic staple of Scottish football in the 1980s and 90s is set to return this autumn, with the Tennent's Sixes revived by the SPFL. Each of the 12 Premiership clubs - including Aberdeen - have signed up for the legends version of the small-sided tournament, set to take place at Glasgow's Braehead Arena. Heroes of the recent past will don the official club kits of this season, on the weekend of October 3 and 4, with every moment set to be shown live on Premier Sports. The original Tennent’s Sixes captured the imagination of a generation of Scottish football fans during its nine-year stretch from 1984 until 1993. Partick Thistle were the last winners of the cult trophy and the joint organisers, the SPFL and Braehead Arena, have worked quietly for months to give fans of all ages a family experience blending nostalgia with a modern twist. Saturday group stages will start with three regionalised groups of four, with each group winner and runner-up progressing to the knockout stages, along with the two best third-placed teams. Each game will have a winner with a bonus point for a penalty shootout win in the event of a draw. The sin bin will also be making a comeback and organisers hope it will capture the imagination of football fans and families alike. Aberdeen previously won the Tennent's Sixes back-to-back in 1986 and 1987, downing St Mirren 3-0 to secure their first triumph before a thrilling 4-3 victory against Hearts a year later. This year's edition will see the Dons take on Dundee, Dundee United and St Johnstone in Group B, and they will be looking to progress to the finals against the other victorious teams. Hearts, Hibs, Falkirk and Motherwell will compete in Group A, while Celtic, Rangers, St Mirren and Kilmarnock do battle in Group C. Neil Doncaster, SPFL Group Chief Executive, said: "The Tennent’s Sixes has a special place in the hearts and minds of a generation of football fans and we are absolutely thrilled to get the band back together again with the official endorsement of the SPFL. "There are many unofficial Masters events but only one SPFL Tennent’s Sixes: the original and best and one we are proud to put our name to, with the support and involvement of all 12 William Hill Premiership clubs." Russell Smith, Braehead Arena Chief Executive, added: "When we first floated the idea, the excitement and enthusiasm from everyone showed that it is a format that will absolutely resonate in 2026. "A look on social media shows there remains a dedicated fanbase, channels and endless video footage of great goals from the tournament back in the day. We look forward to creating memories for new generations of football fans. "That the original sponsor, Tennent’s, shared our enthusiasm is fantastic and we can’t wait to announce the fixtures, managers and star players in the coming days and weeks." Hazel Alexander, Senior Brand Manager at Tennent’s commented: "The return of the Tennent’s Sixes is sure to capture the imagination of football fans, with the original tournament continuing to live in Scottish football folklore. "We’ve already had a fantastic summer of football, and the stage is set for a new tranche of memories to be made, with the chance to reminisce about the tournament of old, but also to celebrate some legends of the game as they make their return to the pitch."