Dundee defender James McPake retires following long-term injury
Tuesday 30 January 2018 16:04, UK
Dundee defender James McPake has retired from football at the age of 33 following a long battle with injury and will take up the role of Head of Professional Programme in the club’s academy.
McPake, who started his career as a forward, played 55 times for the Dark Blues after joining form Hibernian in May 2014, having previously played for Livingston, Greenock Morton (on loan) and Coventry.
He played once for Northern Ireland - a 6-0 defeat to Netherlands in 2012 - two weeks after he scored in the Scottish Cup final, although it was not enough to prevent a 5-1 defeat to Hearts.
McPake's last professional game came in the 2-1 victory over Tayside rivals Dundee United at Dens Park on January 2 2016, where he sustained a serious knee injury after catching his studs in the turf.
A lengthy battle to regain fitness followed, combined with a role on the coaching staff, but after coming close to a recovery several times only to break down again, McPake has decided to officially end his playing career.
"I thank the club greatly for the countless support they've given me since joining in 2014," McPake told Dundee's official website.
"Since the injury and in the two years afterwards they have exhausted all possible options to try and get me back on the pitch, which was the ultimate aim.
"It hasn't worked out that way but I now have a healthy knee that will allow me to have a normal active life and be involved and hands-on in a coaching sense.
"This now opens up a new opportunity for me and hopefully the start of a successful coaching career.
"I thank the club for their guidance in helping me through my badges. With only nine months to go of my Pro Licence, I feel that this positive side of the injury has given me a good head start.
"I hope I can now repay the club with my experience and pass some of this on to the youngsters."
