26 Facts About James McPake

James McPake was born on 24 June 1984 and is a professional football coach and former player, who was most recently the manager of Dunfermline Athletic.

James McPake mainly played as a defender, although he started his career as a forward.

James McPake retired from playing football in January 2018, and then started his coaching career in the Dundee youth system.

James McPake was appointed as the senior team manager in May 2019, and held this position until February 2022.

James McPake was appointed Dunfermline Athletic manager in May 2022 and was dismissed in December 2024, having won the Scottish League One title in 2023.

James McPake began his professional career when he signed for then Scottish First Division team Livingston in August 2000 as a youth academy player.

James McPake did not make his debut for the club until almost four years later in April 2004, when Livingston were playing in the SPL.

James McPake agreed a new two-year contract with Livingston in 2005.

In October 2006, the Scottish media reported that James McPake would be moving to English Football League Championship club Plymouth Argyle.

In July 2007, two months after the appointment of manager Mark Proctor, James McPake was appointed club captain.

James 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.

James McPake scored his first goal for the club against Leicester City on 21 March 2010.

James McPake suffered a back injury that required surgery in May 2011.

James McPake signed a one-year contract extension with Coventry City in August 2011 extending his contract to July 2013.

James McPake signed for Hibernian on an initial six-month loan deal from Coventry City on 23 January 2012.

James McPake was made team captain on his first appearance.

James McPake led the team to safety from relegation, and former Hibs defender Craig Paterson expressed his hope that McPake would sign a longer deal with Hibs.

James McPake was selected in May 2012 by Northern Ireland, qualifying to play for them through a grandparent born in Coleraine.

James McPake signed a two-year contract with Hibs on 30 June 2012.

James McPake had injury problems during 2013 that caused him to miss the 2013 Scottish Cup Final, which Pat Fenlon described as a "big blow".

James McPake said that he had been fit for ten weeks and was disappointed he didn't have the chance to help Hibs avoid relegation.

On 2 January 2016, whilst playing in a Dundee derby, James McPake suffered a serious knee injury which would end his season.

James McPake announced his retirement from playing in January 2018, and took up a coaching position in the Dundee academy system.

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

An immensely successful first season with the Pars culminated with James McPake leading the side to the Scottish League One title and promotion to the Scottish Championship.

On Dunfermline's return to the Championship James 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.