tennents trophy 1990

This is quite a unique memento as the tournament sponsors Tennents awarded it when Aberdeen won the Scottish Cup in 1990. This was the first season that Tennents had sponsored the trophy and in recognition of this they commissioned this unusual trophy to be presented to the winners. Unlike the Cup itself, which the winners are only allowed to retain until just prior to the next Final, the Tennents trophy was a permanent memento of success.

Of course, this was an historic final as it turned out to be the first time that the national trophy was decided on a penalty shootout. After playing for 120 gruelling minutes Aberdeen and Celtic had still not managed to find the net. There followed an epic series of kicks from the penalty mark, with most efforts being scored by the players of either side. Every outfield player was involved, including youngster Graham Watson who had played very little first team football. The Celtic players tried to put extra pressure on Watson by encouraging their supporters to generate a huge noise, but Graham coolly slotted the ball home, leaving Anton Rogan and Brian Irvine, with the tally standing at 8 each, to take the 10th round of kicks. Theo Snelders made a magnificent save from Anton Rogan who had struck the ball at ground level just inside the left-hand upright. Finally, Brian Irvine stepped forward, knowing that he could win the Cup for the Dons, and the Dons? fans went wild as he scored past Bonner to make history and secure the trophy for Aberdeen.

Tennents presented similar trophies to Motherwell in 1991 and Rangers in 1992 and 1993. When Dundee United lifted the Scottish Cup in 1994 a different trophy was awarded, and the trend was continued thereafter. However, this trophy at Pittodrie was the first of the line and hopefully in the near future another can be added.