Another Scottish football managerial casualty as strugglers wield axe on ex-Hibs ace after 'challenging' spell
Dunfermline Athletic have parted company with manager James McPake after two-and-a-half years in charge following a “challenging first half” to the season.
The 40-year-old former Dundee boss and Hibs defender has been relieved of his duties in the wake of back-to-back 2-0 away defeats against Raith Rovers and Morton that have left the Pars second bottom of the Championship.
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Under-18 and reserve-team coach John McLaughlan has been placed in temporary charge ahead of Friday’s match at home to bitter rivals Falkirk.
“Following a challenging first half of the 2024-25 season, the board of directors of Dunfermline Athletic have decided to relieve manager James McPake and assistant manager Dave Mackay of their duties,” read a Dunfermline statement on Monday morning. “The board would like to thank James and Dave for their efforts whilst at KDM Group East End Park.
“The management duo made a great impact on arrival at the club, leading us to the League One title during a record-breaking season in 2022-23. However, this season has proven challenging, and the club board felt the need to make a change as we head into January.


“Current under-18 and reserve-team coach John McLaughlan has been asked to prepare the team ahead of Friday’s visit of Falkirk in the Scottish Championship.”
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Hide AdMcPake’s sacking comes just 48 hours after their Fife rivals Raith Rovers announced that Neill Collins had left to take up a new role with Sacramento Republic in America. It means there are two managerial vacancies available in the second tier of Scottish football going into the festive period.
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