Dundee defender McPake quits playing

Dundee defender James McPake has announced his retirement from playing at the age of just 33.

Brought to the newly promoted Dark Blues by Paul Hartley in May 2014, he was appointed club captain after the departure of Kevin Thomson. McPake suffered a fractured kneecap in a New Year game against city rivals Utd in 2016....the injury which has ultimately ended his playing career.

He now takes up a role in the Dundee FC Academy as Head of Professional Programme.

McPake said in a statement : “I thank the club greatly for the countless support they’ve given me since joining in 2014. 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. Again 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 and I can’t wait to get started full time with them and Jimmy (Boyle, Head of Youth)."