History of the Scottish Masters: Most successful team, top scorers and how it works

You are truly blessed if you remember the era of Masters Football. It was the pinnacle of sport for spectators, witnessing their greying heroes playing six-a-side in an indoor sports hall.

However, last summer saw the return of Masters Football in a one-off event between Liverpool, Manchester United, Rangers and Celtic. The tournament was such a success that we will see the Scottish Masters Cup 2023 in only a few days time.

But before the competition gets underway on 9 September, let's take a look at the history of Masters Football.

Masters Football returns to Glasgow! The iconic Masters Football is back with the Scottish Masters Cup 2023. Watch your favourite legends who featured for Celtic, Rangers, Hearts and Hibernian live from the Braehead Arena. Watch the action from 19:00-22:00 (BST) on Saturday.

What is Masters Football?

Put simply, Masters Football is a six-a-side competition that takes place between ex-footballers over the age of 35. Players could only represent clubs they have actually played for during their careers, leading to some of the all-time greats returning to action.

The competition would take place yearly over the course of a single evening with teams competing with one another to win the tournament. Each team would play each other once before the highest performing duo would face off in the final.

There were unlimited substitutions - much to the relief of many ageing players - and no offsides during two eight-minute halves.

The history of Masters Football

Masters Football took place annually between 2000 and 2011 and was hosted in a range of UK cities with an array of different teams taking part.

There have been nine different winners of the tournament during its 11-year history with some perhaps unexpected victors, with Rangers the only Scottish side to have won the tournament.

Liverpool were champions during last year's one-off event, beating Manchester United 5-3 in the final.

What is the Scottish Masters Cup 2023?

The Scottish Masters Cup will take place between four teams on 9 September: Rangers, Celtic, Hearts and Hibernian.

Rangers will be hoping to continue their success in Masters Football, although will understandably feature an entirely different lineup to the 2006 and 2011 winners.

Some of the big names in the competition include the likes of Kris Commons, Kris Boyd and Kenny Miller.

The Scottish Masters Cup can be watched live on the 90min Youtube channel on 9 September.

Predicted golden boot winners

Only two players representing Scottish teams have won the golden boot in the past - Ally McCoist for Rangers and Owen Coyle for Motherwell.

The Scottish Masters Cup has some lethal strikers who will be hopeful of rediscovering their goalscoring boots.

For Rangers, it will be Boyd and Miller who will be vying for the golden boot and will be hoping that Pedro Mendes can pull the strings behind them.

Celtic's hopes of glory may fall on to the shoulders of striker Gary Hooper, who will lead the line with Mark Burchill. Commons should pop up with a few as well and will be eager to reunite with his former teammate Hooper.

Hibs will be reliant on Derek Riordan, Grant Holt and Colin Nish in their offensive-minded setup, while Hearts will need Jose Quitongo to find some form in front of goal.

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