IAN RANKIN, the rugby coach, is not related to Ian Rankin, the author who created the Inspector Rebus novels, but perhaps the Dundee HSFP mentor put to use the titles of some of his namesake's books – Let It Bleed or Black And Blue, for example – as he was preparing the Mayfield brigade for one of the biggest matches of their lives.

"Ranks" has been working his magic on Tayside for so long one imagined he might carry on for ever, However, he will bring the curtain down on his coaching career there by attempting to keep his side in the RBS Premiership this afternoon when they tackle promotion-chasing Hawick in an eagerly-awaited play-off encounter at Meggetland.

Defeat is unthinkable for either club, but for Rankin it would be a dreadful way to bid adieu to the club he has steered to a variety of significant milestones. Yet, as he admitted yesterday, his men have dug themselves into this mess and can expect no favours from their opponents from the Borders.

"It has been a bizarre season," Rankin said. "During the final afternoon's fixtures, four different clubs occupied the play-off position at various times but we conceded a late try [to Stirling County], so here we are. It is a massive fixture for both clubs.

"Hawick will be desperate to return to the top flight, so we know they will come hard at us. The intensity of our forwards should be too much for them – the boys have gained from being involved in the British & Irish Cup and we are nearly back to full strength – but they have some outstanding players. We have watched them on video and we appreciate they will bring a big support that will make a racket."

Rankin is enough of a pragmatist to recognise this tussle could be decided as much by the two inches on the top of his players' heads as their technical and rugby prowess.

Only 12 months ago they were challenging Melrose for the title, but a grievous injury list, allied to the belated revival of clubs such as Aberdeen GSFP and Edinburgh Accies, sent them hurtling in the wrong direction.

Dundee FC could well have their relegation from the SPL confirmed today and the last thing Rankin wants is for two clubs from the city to suffer the drop on the same afternoon. "It's a unique situation and I think if would be better if the play-off was being decided over two games, home and away," Rankin said. "We have seen how that has sparked excitement in English football and it would also a tremendous money-spinner for both clubs involved.

"Mind you, I remember us playing against Melrose in the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup at a supposedly neutral venue – which happened to be Netherdale. From memory, their guys walked to the ground. Seriously, though, Meggetland is a good venue, Peter Allan is an excellent referee, and while it will be nerve-racking it should also be a thrilling occasion.

"Last weekend's cup final [won by Ayr] was a great advert for Scottish club rugby, so, hopefully, there will be more of the same once the action starts this afternoon."

The Green Machine, for their part, have battled all winter in the hope of escaping from the National League and their president, Rory Bannerman, has called for one last push. "We know what is at stake here, it is a winner-takes-all situation, and we are well aware how much our fans want Hawick to be in the Premiership," he said. "But I have faith in the squad. They have done the club proud and they really want this."

Whatever the outcome, tears of triumph and tristesse will be shed. Rankin admits it will feel strange at the denouement to be walking away from the organisation he has nurtured but for the moment he is keeping any emotions under wraps.

"It felt peculiar at training on Thursday night because Dundee High have been a huge part of my life," Rankin said: "But these things happen in sport and the club will begin a new chapter next week. The message to the lads has been to concentrate 100% on the match and ignore everything else. We can worry about the other nonsense once the final whistle goes."

The only guarantee is that, as the Exit Music sounds for Rankin, the fight both sets of combatants will put up can be described by the title of yet another Rebus work. Namely, Tooth and Nail.