Dundee appoint James McPake as new manager
Friday 31 May 2019 15:53, UK
Dundee have confirmed the appointment of James McPake as their new manager with Jimmy Nicholl arriving as his assistant.
Former club captain McPake took over as caretaker boss for the final game of last season against St Mirren after Jim McIntyre was dismissed following their relegation to the Scottish Championship, with the club's managing director John Nelms saying they had "no choice" but to sack him.
The 34-year-old former Northern Ireland international finished his career playing for Dundee where he took up a coaching role in the academy since retiring due to an injury he sustained in the Dundee Derby in January 2016.
McPake said: "I know the club, I know the players that are here and I think the feeling I got back when we built up for the St Mirren game made me realise I'm fully ready."
Assistant manager Nicholl, who appeared 73 times for Northern Ireland, makes the switch from St Mirren where he was part of the backroom coaching team and McPake made it clear how important the support network around him would be.
He added: "I don't think I would've wanted to be standing here if I couldn't have brought Jimmy with me. He's someone I trust - I know the way he works and I like the way he works.
"I've been speaking to Gordon [Strachan] and to be able to call Gordon up and ask for advice is great. Why would you not want that if you are a young coach or manager and you've got that network there that you can lean on."
The Dee finished 12 points from guaranteed safety in the Scottish Premiership last season and McPake will be in charge of leading his side back to the top division.
He said: "We've got a chance to bring in our own players quite quickly and that process has started. Its something we've been working on. The buzz for me is winning football matches and that's what I'm looking forward to the most."
Managing director Nelms was criticised over his last managerial appointment, however he believes McPake is the right man to lead the club forward.
Nelms said: "He's been here for five years - everything he does, he does with a passion and he loves this club.
"He will move heaven and earth to make sure this club is successful. If I was in the trenches I would want James next to me."
