Dundee sack manager James McPake after almost three years in charge

Dundee have sacked manager James McPake after almost three years in charge of the Dens Park club.

The club said it “must look to a manager with additional experience with the aim of preserving James’ legacy and our place in the Premiership”.

Dundee were promoted to the Premiership last season after defeating Kilmarnock in the play-off final.

They are currently second bottom of the table on 21 points and have won just three of their last 12 league matches.

In a statement, Dundee said: “Dundee Football Club has taken the decision to release James McPake from the duties of his position of manager.

“It is clear that without James’ leadership the club would still be in the Championship, and for that reason, the decision to release him was not arrived at easily.

“However, at this time the club must look to a manager with additional experience with the aim of preserving James’ legacy and our place in the Premiership.

“It is without a doubt that someone who has achieved so much in such a short amount of time will go on to continue achieving remarkable things, and for this James has our unequivocal support and endorsement.

“We are proud to have given James his first steps in management and beyond proud of his accomplishments. He is, and will always remain, a valued and loved member of the Dundee FC family.”

The decision to remove McPake comes on the back of two consecutive victories after the 2-1 win at Hearts last week was followed by a 3-0 Scottish Cup success away to Peterhead.

He took over as manager in May 2019 and led Dundee to promotion from the Championship last May, at the end of his second season in charge.