James McPake: Dundee sack manager in bid to seal Scottish Premiership safety | Football News

Dundee have sacked manager James McPake, saying change is needed to try and secure their Scottish Premiership survival.

The 37-year-old departs Dens Park despite a recent upturn in results which saw them beat Hearts in the league before progressing to the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup against Peterhead.

Dundee, however, remain second-bottom in the Premiership, just one point above bottom side St Johnstone.

The club’s board say the decision to sack McPake, who led Dundee to promotion last season after joining in 2019, was to help “preserve his legacy”.

A statement read: “Dundee Football Club has taken the decision to release James McPake from the duties of his position of manager.

“James joined Dundee FC as a player in May 2014 and since that time has faithfully served the club as captain, under-18s Manager, first-team caretaker manager, and first-team manager.

“During the 2020-21 season, James led the team to promotion to the Scottish Premiership after just two seasons in the Championship. This resulted in him being named Scottish Championship manager of the year 2021.

“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.”