The Tennent’s Sixes will return this autumn with a legends version of the small-sided tournament, with heroes of the recent past wearing the official club kits of this season.
The original Tennent’s Sixes captured the imagination of a generation of Scottish football fans during its nine-year stretch from 1984 until 1993.
Hibs won the tournament in 1990 which was held on 28 and 29 January at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre in Glasgow.
All Premier Division season competed and the two group winners and runners-up qualified for the semi-finals.
Hibs started off with a 4-2 penalty shoot out victory over Rangers following a 0-0 draw.
This was followed by a 5-1 victory over Dundee United, with a hattrick from Paul Kane and goals from Billy Findlay and John Collins. United’s goal was scored by future Hibs player Michael O’Neil.
Hibs then recorded a 2-0 victory over St Mirren with both goals scored by Kane then a 3-0 win over Dundee with goals from Kane, Alan Sneddon and Findlay,
After topping Group 1, Hibs face Hearts who finished runners up in Group 2.
Tosh McKinlay gave Hearts a second-half lead before Kane equalised with an assist from Collins.
In the penalty shoot out Scott Crabbe scored fro Hearts before Kane’s effort was saved by Henry Smith.
Goal hero McKinlay struck the bar before Pat McGinlay equalised.
Andy Goram then saved John Robertson’s penalty and Smith did likewise against Alan Sneddon.
Goram saved from Gary McKay then Collins scored the winner.
Goals from Collins and Kane secured a 2-0 final win over St Mirren and the £16,000 first prize went to the Easter Road men.
Assistant manager Peter Cormack said: “It was a tremendous victory for the lads. Over the two nights we were the best side, playing some excellent football, so it was nice to achieve something.
“I was delighted for the players and it will give them a boost away from the pressure of Premier League football.
“Andy (Goram) was amazing. What an achievement to come through a tournament like this losing only two goals. He’s a character who loves to compete.
“Kano (Paul Kane) was tremendous. He has an eye for a goal and he did very well.”
Hibs managing director Jim Gray added: “It was enjoyable to watch and I was delighted with the way the squad played.
“It’s been a great competition which is a tribute to the sponsors and great entertainment for the fans.
“Hopefully we can start scoring goals on grass instead.”
Paul Kane finished off as the tournament’s top scorer with eight goals and after the final whistle he said: “It’s been different class. Even though Celtic and Rangers got beat it’s still been a great atmosphere.”
Andy Goram said: “We had the perfect combination with Kano up front scoring and our defence not letting many in at the back. Obviously, you need a bit of luck as well but winning should give us a bit of a lift.”
The Hibs squad, led by assistant manager Peter Cormack and coach Andy Watson was Andy Goram, Neil Cooper, Alan Sneddon, John Collins, Paul Kane, Pat McGinlay, Mickey Weir, Billy Findlay, Brian Hamilton, Graham Mitchell.
This year’s event will take place on the weekend of 3 and 4 October at Braehead Arena in Glasgow and all the action will be shown live on Premier Sports.
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.
To keep fans on the edge of their seats, every 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.
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, said: “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 said: “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.”
