Tom Boyd looking forward to Tennent’s Sixes return

Tom Boyd is looking forward to taking charge of Celtic when the Tennent’s Sixes returns next weekend, with the former Hoops captain speaking at a media event at Braehead Arena to promote the tournament. The original Tennent’s Sixes captured the imagination of a generation of Scottish football fans during its nine-year run from 1984 until 1993, with Partick Thistle the last winners of the cult trophy. Now, the tournament is set to make its return at Braehead Arena, with Boyd taking charge of the Celtic team as the Hoops prepare to face Kilmarnock, St Mirren and Rangers in Group C. And after getting a first look at the venue during the media event, Boyd admitted he is glad his role will be on the sidelines. “I’m actually glad that I’ll be taking charge. I’ve seen the ice hockey rink and it’s absolutely massive, so that’s something I’m not looking forward to!” he said. “But I’m certainly looking forward to taking charge and being the manager. I’ve done the 11-a-side, I’ve done the five-a-side, and this will be the first time doing the Sixes. “I played in it years ago with Motherwell. I don’t think I ever played in it with Celtic because, by the time I came to Celtic in 1992, it was almost gone. “So I’m really looking forward to it. On paper, we’ve got a good group of boys who should do a good job, although I’m sure the rest of the teams will be saying the same.”The Tennent’s Sixes became a hugely popular part of the Scottish football calendar during its original run, with first-team players featuring in its early years before the competition increasingly became an opportunity to see former favourites back in action. And the former Celtic captain believes the returning tournament can once again provide an enjoyable occasion for supporters of all ages. “There will be a few people around my age who will remember it! It was really enjoyable back then,” he said. “The difference was that first-team players played originally, although managers were obviously worried about players getting injured, so eventually it became more about legends. “It’s great that it’s back and I think the younger the legend, the better for your team! “I’ve got Simon Donnelly, who is a fellow co-commentator, so I might have to use him sparingly because I think he’s the oldest in the team. “There are a lot of fit boys there and that’s something I’ve always prided myself on. I want my team to be the same.” While there will be plenty of nostalgia surrounding the tournament, Boyd insists the competitive edge will remain firmly intact when Celtic take to the arena next weekend. “It never leaves you,” he added. “We want to win the tournament and we want to do as well as we can. The players will all be the same. “Everybody who pulls on the Hoops and represents Celtic, whether it’s five-a-side, six-a-side or 11-a-side, wants to put on a good showing. I’ll make sure the boys remember that.” The Saturday group stages will feature three regionalised groups of four, with each group winner and runner-up progressing to the knockout stages alongside the two best third-placed teams. Every match will produce a winner, with a bonus point awarded for a penalty shoot-out victory if the game finishes level, while the famous sin bin will also make its return. More details and tickets are available via Braehead Arena at https://spfltennentssixes.co.uk/