Football: Baikie knows which team he's backing - it's, er, Tayport United; COWDENBEATH GAFFER SPLIT 18 HAPPY YEARS BETWEEN THE TWO FINALISTS SO HE'S ON A WINNER WHATEVER THE FINAL SCORE.

Byline: BY GORDON PARKS

DAVE BAIKIE may well be caught between a rock and hard place on Sunday when his two friends attempt to mastermind Scottish Cup glory.

The Cowdenbeath boss has strong links with both the clubs aiming for a Tannadice triumph and would probably be best served sitting on the fence as the good people of the city of Dundee tie the colours of Tayport and Lochee to the respective masts.

Despite having seven years service with United and 11 with Port, Baikie admits he has difficulty deciding where his loyalties lie.

He said: 'The first and most important thing is the game is at Tannadice and that is fantastic for both the clubs and their supporters.

'In the five occasions I was the manager of Tayport and we reached the final we had to travel to Glasgow and it was far from ideal for our preparations.

'The pubs in the town will certainly get the benefit of the tie being played in Dundee and it's a sensible decision from the Junior FA.

'I have a lot of affection for both clubs. I played at Lochee for seven years - during which time I managed to get capped for Scotland. I have many fond memories.

'If they were playing any other side in this game then I would be proudly wearing my United scarf at the final but this is one where I will have to sit on the fence.

'Eleven years at Tayport means my loyalties are divided and I have many friends at both clubs.

'I really can't lose as I'll be delighted for whoever wins.'

The managers of the finalists are both well known to a man who has become a legend in the Junior game on Tayside.

He said: 'Eddie Wolecki was my youth coach at Arbroath and he did a great job. I'm delighted he's now being rewarded at Lochee for all the hard work he's put in.

'He eats, sleeps and breathes football and is a good coach who I'm sure will have a good future in the game.

'He thinks a great deal about football and has very definite thoughts on how it should be played.

'After taking the Lochee job he's proven over the past three years just how much drive and ambition he has to be a success and that will stand him in good stead.

'His team have a great record of coming back from almost impossible situations this season and they have survived major scares in this competition in previous rounds - that could be the case again.'

In the opposite dugout is the man who picked up the reins from Baikie after his glory-filled time at Canniepairt and he insists no one is better suited to the task.

Baikie said: 'Keith is another guy I know well. I was his manager when we both worked for BT a few years back and I was also his captain for the Scotland Junior side.

'He was the ideal man to replace me at Tayport as we are fairly similar in our personalities and I'm even told we look the same.

'He has been over the course before and has experience of being in finals during his time with Whitburn.

'One of his strengths is that his approach is laid back and that will help his players. But he hasn't changed much about the club and there has been continuity in the squad.

'His team don't lose many goals and if they get off to a good start they will have a great chance of lifting the trophy - but Lochee have shown they can never be discounted.

'Even though many of the Tayport lads were signed by me it's Keith's side as I left the club last October.

'I'm certain he's the man to follow in my footsteps and it would be great for him if he picks up the cup in his first year at the club.'

Despite making the move back to the senior game at Central Park, Baikie still keeps a close eye on the Junior scene and he believes this clash has all the ingredients of a classic.

He said: 'It's a great idea for the sponsors OVD to put up pounds 1000 for every goal scored as it will entice both sides to attack.

'Many of the previous finals have been dull and nervous affairs and painful viewing for the spectators but I have a feeling this one will be special.

'Both teams have players who can score goals and hopefully we will see a game with plenty of goals and goalmouth action.

'The city of Dundee will be buzzing on the day and I expect a big turnout as this is a game which has already caught the imagination of the people here.

'In previous finals it was a trek to get to the game and so many were put off by that but that isn't the case this time around.

'It will be a great day and I'll be looking for a match which is a good advert for football at this level as I believe the quality is improving all the time. This is the ideal platform to prove it

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FENCED IN: Dave Baikie, now boss at Cowdenbeath, doesn't know who to back as he has strong links with both finalists; Pic:GEORGEMcLUSKIE