SJFA secretary Tom Johnston confirmed today that junior football’s showpiece event would be played in the City of Discovery on Sunday, May 29, and urged the people of Dundee to come out and support it.

“We’ve agreed to move the game to Tannadice. We’ve been at Firhill for something like the last seven years, but we believe this decision is in the best interests of Scottish Junior Football,” said Johnston.

“It’s now up to the Dundee public to ensure it is well supported.”

The news is sure to spark delight among local junior followers, who faced the prospect of having to travel to Glasgow for the second year running following last year’s final between Tayport and Carnoustie.

It’s also likely to see a marked increase in attendance, after only 3030 watched last season’s final.

The game will be screened live in Scotland by Scottish TV.

Both clubs welcomed today’s decision.

Lochee United supremo Tom McMillan said, “I’m absolutely delighted, and it is good to see common sense applied.

“This is great news for the city, and I’m sure there will be a bumper crowd.”

Across the river, Tayport secretary Abby Oswald greeted the news with, “Superb, I’m well chuffed with this decision.

“Most of all, though, I’m delighted for our supporters, who have had to do quite a bit of travelling in recent years.

“I know it will be well supported by junior supporters, but it is also a great opportunity for other people to come out and support the junior game when they might not have done so had the final been played in the west.

“It’s sure to be a wonderful, carnival affair.

“Our club has had an affinity with Dundee for around 50 years (amateur and junior), with many of our players coming from the city through the years.

“It’s absolutely wonderful that the final of this cup is to be played in Dundee for the first time since the competition started in 1886.”

Whyte and Mackay East Region secretary Jock Myles also expressed his delight.

“It’s great news and I just hope everything goes well on the day.”