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James McPake

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James McPake
Personal information
Date of birth (1984-06-24) 24 June 1984 (age 40)
Place of birth Bellshill, Scotland
Position(s) Central defender
Youth career
2000–2004 Livingston
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2004–2009 Livingston 100 (6)
2006 → Greenock Morton (loan) 10 (2)
2009–2012 Coventry City 68 (1)
2012 → Hibernian (loan) 11 (0)
2012–2014 Hibernian 32 (2)
2014–2018 Dundee 50 (4)
Total 271 (15)
International career
2012 Northern Ireland 1 (0)
Managerial career
2019–2022 Dundee
2022–2024 Dunfermline Athletic
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

James McPake (born 24 June 1984) is a professional football coach and former player, who was most recently the manager of Dunfermline Athletic. McPake played for Livingston, Greenock Morton, Coventry City, Hibernian and Dundee. He mainly played as a defender, although he started his career as a forward. McPake played once for Northern Ireland, in 2012.

McPake retired from playing football in January 2018, and then started his coaching career in the Dundee youth system. He was appointed as the senior team manager in May 2019, and held this position until February 2022. He was appointed Dunfermline Athletic manager in May 2022 and was dismissed in December 2024, having won the Scottish League One title in 2023.

Playing career

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Livingston

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During his youth career, Bellshill-born McPake played for Holytown Colts, Celtic South BC, Coatbridge Amateurs and Livingston pro youth.[1] He began his professional career when he signed for then Scottish First Division team Livingston in August 2000 as a youth academy player.[2] He did not make his debut for the club until almost four years later in April 2004, when Livingston were playing in the SPL. He agreed a new two-year contract with Livingston in 2005.

In January 2006, Scottish Second Division side Greenock Morton signed McPake on loan,[3] after he had rejected proposed loan moves to Gretna and Partick Thistle.[4] He made his debut for Morton against Gretna on 14 January and went on to make ten appearances for the club, scoring two goals in the process. His two goals were both scored in the same game, against Alloa Athletic.[5]

In October 2006, the Scottish media reported that McPake would be moving to English Football League Championship club Plymouth Argyle.[6] It was confirmed that he was due to go to Plymouth for a week-long trial, but Livingston later changed their minds and the trial never materialized.[6] In July 2007, two months after the appointment of manager Mark Proctor, McPake was appointed club captain. Scottish Premier League outfit St Mirren had a bid for him rejected by Livingston.

Coventry City

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McPake signed a pre-contract in December 2008 to join Coventry City on a three-and-a-half-year deal in the summer of 2009, but Coventry and Livingston agreed a fee on 2 February 2009 to complete the transfer immediately.[7] He scored his first goal for the club against Leicester City on 21 March 2010.[8] He suffered a back injury that required surgery in May 2011.[9] He signed a one-year contract extension with Coventry City in August 2011 extending his contract to July 2013.

Hibernian

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McPake signed for Hibernian on an initial six-month loan deal from Coventry City on 23 January 2012.[10] He made his debut for the club the following Saturday, and was sent off in a 4–0 defeat to Rangers.[11] He was made team captain on his first appearance.[12] He led the team to safety from relegation,[13] and former Hibs defender Craig Paterson expressed his hope that McPake would sign a longer deal with Hibs.[14] McPake scored Hibs' only goal in the 2012 Scottish Cup Final, a 5–1 defeat to Hearts.

McPake was selected in May 2012 by Northern Ireland, qualifying to play for them through a grandparent born in Coleraine.[15] He made his international debut in a 6–0 defeat by Netherlands on 2 June 2012.[16]

McPake signed a two-year contract with Hibs on 30 June 2012.[17][18] On 3 January 2013, he suffered a bad tackle by Ryan Stevenson in an Edinburgh derby game.[19] Stevenson was suspended for two matches.[20] McPake had injury problems during 2013 that caused him to miss the 2013 Scottish Cup Final, which Pat Fenlon described as a "big blow".[21] After missing out on the Scottish Cup Final, McPake also denied rumours that he had an operation on his back,[22] also played down talk that he would be forced into retirement because of his back injury and criticised internet trolls over this taunt.[23] McPake's first team opportunities were limited during the 2013–14 season and after Hibs were relegated to the Scottish Championship, he was released by the club in May 2014.[24] He said that he had been fit for ten weeks and was disappointed he didn't have the chance to help Hibs avoid relegation.[25]

Dundee

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After being released by Hibernian, McPake was linked with newly promoted Scottish Premiership club Dundee, but this was denied by their manager Paul Hartley.[26] However, McPake signed for the club in May 2014.[27] On 30 January 2015, he signed a contract extension, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2017.[28]

On 2 January 2016, whilst playing in a Dundee derby, McPake suffered a serious knee injury which would end his season.[29][30] McPake was appointed club captain for the 2016–17 season,[31] but suffered another setback on his injury, keeping him out until January 2017.[32]

Coaching career

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Dundee

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McPake announced his retirement from playing in January 2018, and took up a coaching position in the Dundee academy system.[33][34] After Dundee sacked manager Jim McIntyre in May 2019, McPake was appointed caretaker manager for the final game of the season against St Mirren.[35][36] A few weeks later, he was appointed Dundee manager on a permanent basis.[37]

At the end of the 2020–21 season, McPake led his team into winning the Premiership play-offs and gaining promotion to the Scottish Premiership.[38] At the end of the season, he was awarded the SPFL Scottish Championship Manager of the Year.[39][40]

McPake was sacked by Dundee on 16 February 2022, with Dundee sitting in 11th place in the Premiership.[41]

Dunfermline Athletic

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Scottish League One club Dunfermline Athletic appointed McPake as their manager on 24 May 2022.[42] An immensely successful first season with the Pars culminated with McPake leading the side to the Scottish League One title and promotion to the Scottish Championship [43][44]

On Dunfermline's return to the Championship McPake guided the club to a 6th place finish and the following season was dismissed on 23 December 2024 after the poor run of form carried over from the previous season. [45]

Career statistics

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Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup League cup Other[a] Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Livingston 2003–04[46] Scottish Premier League 1 0 0 0 0 0 — 1 0
2004–05[47] 14 1 3 0 0 0 — 17 1
2005–06[48] 15 0 0 0 1 0 — 16 0
2006–07[49] Scottish First Division 33 3 2 0 2 0 0 0 38 3
2007–08[50] 19 0 3 0 2 0 1[b] 0 25 0
2008–09[51] 18 2 1 0 2 0 2[b] 0 23 2
Total 100 6 9 0 7 0 3 0 119 6
Greenock Morton (loan) 2005–06[48] Scottish Second Division 10 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 2
Coventry City 2008–09[51] Championship 4 0 1 0 0 0 — 5 0
2009–10[52] 17 1 2 0 0 0 — 19 1
2010–11[53] 12 0 0 0 1 0 — 13 0
2011–12[54] 5 0 0 0 1 0 — 6 0
Total 38 1 3 0 2 0 0 0 43 1
Hibernian (loan) 2011–12[54] Scottish Premier League 11 0 4 1 0 0 — 15 1
Hibernian 2012–13[55] Scottish Premier League 29 2 3 0 0 0 — 32 2
2013–14[56] Scottish Premiership 3 0 0 0 1 0 2[c] 0 6 0
Total 43 2 7 1 1 0 2 0 53 3
Dundee 2014–15[57] Scottish Premiership 34 2 2 0 2 0 — 38 2
2015–16[58] 16 2 0 0 1 0 — 17 2
2016–17[59] 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0
2017–18[60] 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0
Total 50 4 2 0 3 0 0 0 55 4
Career total 241 15 21 1 13 0 5 0 280 16
  1. ^ Soccerbase did not record a Challenge Cup appearance in 2008–09 on 26 July 2008. His appearances in that competition for that season is 2, not 1 as stated.
  2. ^ a b Appearances in the Scottish Challenge Cup
  3. ^ Appearances in the Europa League

Managerial record

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As of match played 21 December 2024
Managerial record by team and tenure
Team Nat From To Record Ref
G W D L GF GA GD Win %
Dundee Scotland 13 May 2019 16 February 2022 106 44 25 37 152 141 +11 041.51 —
Dunfermline Athletic Scotland 24 May 2022 23 December 2024 113 50 30 33 160 114 +46 044.25 —
Total 219 94 55 70 312 255 +57 042.92 —
  • Initially caretaker at Dundee and appointed permanently on 31 May 2019.

Honours

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Manager

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Dundee

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Dunfermline Athletic

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Individual

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References

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  1. ^ "James McPake". Youth Football Scotland. Archived from the original on 8 April 2011. Retrieved 22 February 2011.
  2. ^ "McPake signs new Livingston deal". BBC Sport. 16 May 2005. Retrieved 4 December 2008.
  3. ^ "Livingston complete Hislop deal". BBC Sport. 11 January 2006. Retrieved 4 December 2008.
  4. ^ "FEEL LIKE JAMES MCPEAK". Daily Record. Retrieved 4 December 2008.
  5. ^ "Morton 4–1 Alloa Athletic". BBC. Retrieved 1 November 2008.
  6. ^ a b "McPake trial at Argyle called off". BBC Sport. 3 October 2006. Retrieved 29 July 2008.
  7. ^ "Coventry sign Livingston's McPake". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 January 2008.
  8. ^ "Leicester 2–2 Coventry". BBC Sport. 21 March 2010. Retrieved 21 March 2010.
  9. ^ Macpherson, Graeme (10 May 2012). "McPake's commitment to the cup-finalists' cause would make him an ideal permanent signing for the Easter Road club". The Herald. Herald & Times Group. Retrieved 10 May 2012.
  10. ^ "James McPake joins Hibernian on loan". STV. STV Group. 23 January 2012. Retrieved 23 January 2012.
  11. ^ "Rangers 4 – 0 Hibernian". BBC Sport. 28 January 2012. Retrieved 29 January 2012.
  12. ^ Hardie, David (3 February 2012). "James McPake to keep Hibs armband despite send off". Edinburgh Evening News. Johnston Press. Retrieved 3 February 2012.
  13. ^ Turner, Andy (9 May 2012). "James McPake in dark over future as Hibs line up £100,000 offer". Coventry Telegraph. Archived from the original on 12 May 2012. Retrieved 9 May 2012.
  14. ^ "Hibs hero James McPake 'has to stay for longer'". Edinburgh Evening News. Johnston Press. 10 May 2012. Retrieved 14 May 2012.
  15. ^ "Roy Carroll and James McPake in NI squad for Holland friendly". BBC Sport. 21 May 2012. Retrieved 21 May 2012.
  16. ^ "Joy of six for classy Dutch". TeamTalk. 2 June 2012. Archived from the original on 5 June 2012. Retrieved 2 June 2012.
  17. ^ "McPake Signs For Hibernian". hibernianfc.co.uk. Hibernian FC. 30 June 2012. Retrieved 30 June 2012.
  18. ^ "Coventry's James McPake makes Hibs switch permanent". BBC Sport. 30 June 2012. Retrieved 30 June 2012.
  19. ^ "Hibs: Pat Fenlon fury over Ryan Stevenson challenge". BBC Sport. 3 January 2013. Retrieved 12 January 2013.
  20. ^ "Hearts' Ryan Stevenson banned for cup semi-final". BBC Sport. 10 January 2013. Retrieved 12 January 2013.
  21. ^ "Scottish Cup: Hibernian captain James McPake injury a blow". BBC Sport. 24 May 2013. Retrieved 6 June 2014.
  22. ^ "SPL: Hibernian captain James McPake has denied rumours of back surgery". Sky Sports. 7 June 2013. Retrieved 6 June 2014.
  23. ^ "Hibs skipper James McPake hits out at internet trolls who claimed his career was over". Daily Record. Glasgow. 1 July 2013. Retrieved 6 June 2014.
  24. ^ "James McPake and Kevin Thomson exit Hibs". Edinburgh Evening News. Johnston Publishing. 26 May 2014. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  25. ^ "James McPake hits back at Terry Butcher criticism amid Hibs plight". Scottish Daily Express. 27 May 2014. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  26. ^ "Dundee boss denies making offer for released Hibs defender McPake". Dundee Evening Telegraph. 29 May 2014. Archived from the original on 31 May 2014. Retrieved 6 June 2014.
  27. ^ "Dundee announce triple signing". BBC Sport. 30 May 2014. Retrieved 30 May 2014.
  28. ^ "JAMES EXTENDS CONTRACT". Dundee F.C. 30 January 2015. Retrieved 1 February 2015.
  29. ^ Davie, Scott (2 January 2016). "Dundee 2–1 Dundee United". BBC Sport. Retrieved 11 July 2016.
  30. ^ "Dundee: James McPake fractured kneecap confirmed after scan". BBC Sport. 4 January 2016. Retrieved 11 July 2016.
  31. ^ Kennedy, Liam (14 June 2016). "James McPake to be new skipper at Dundee". Evening Telegraph. Retrieved 11 July 2016.
  32. ^ Milligan, Jamie (9 July 2016). "Dundee in Austria: James McPake will prove the doubters wrong". The Courier. Retrieved 11 July 2016.
  33. ^ "James McPake retires from playing". Dundee FC. 30 January 2018. Retrieved 30 January 2018.
  34. ^ "James McPake retires from playing and takes up academy role at Dundee". The Scotsman. Retrieved 5 February 2021.
  35. ^ "James take temporary charge". Dundee FC. 13 May 2019. Retrieved 13 May 2019.
  36. ^ "Dundee: James McPake takes temporary charge after Jim McIntyre departure". BBC Sport. 13 May 2019. Retrieved 13 May 2019.
  37. ^ "Dundee: James McPake confirmed as clubs new manager". BBC Sport. 31 May 2019. Retrieved 31 May 2019.
  38. ^ a b "Dundee promoted as Kilmarnock drop down for first time in 28 years". BBC. 24 May 2021. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  39. ^ a b "McPake voted Manager of Year". SPFL.co.uk. 1 June 2021. Retrieved 1 June 2021.
  40. ^ "James wins Scottish Championship Glen's Manager of the Season". dundeefc.co.uk. 1 June 2021. Retrieved 1 June 2021.
  41. ^ "James McPake: Dundee sack manager despite back-to-back wins". BBC Sport. 16 February 2022. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
  42. ^ "James McPake: Dunfermline Athletic appoint former Dundee manager". BBC Sport. 24 May 2022. Retrieved 24 May 2022.
  43. ^ "Dunfermline crowned League 1 champions after rout". BBC Sport. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
  44. ^ a b "Dunfermline Athletic win cinch League 1 | SPFL". spfl.co.uk. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
  45. ^ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c07g5r9vy4po
  46. ^ "Games played by James McPake in 2003/2004". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  47. ^ "Games played by James McPake in 2004/2005". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  48. ^ a b "Games played by James McPake in 2005/2006". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  49. ^ "Games played by James McPake in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  50. ^ "Games played by James McPake in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  51. ^ a b "Games played by James McPake in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  52. ^ "Games played by James McPake in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  53. ^ "Games played by James McPake in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  54. ^ a b "Games played by James McPake in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  55. ^ "Games played by James McPake in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  56. ^ "Games played by James McPake in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  57. ^ "Games played by James McPake in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  58. ^ "Games played by James McPake in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  59. ^ "Games played by James McPake in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  60. ^ "Games played by James McPake in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  61. ^ "SPFL Scottish League One Manager of the Month | Dunfermline Athletic Football Club".
  62. ^ "Cinch League One Manager of the Month | Dunfermline Athletic Football Club".
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