Dunfermline sack James McPake and state 'need for change' after defeat

Dunfermline have sacked manager James McPake following the side’s 2-0 defeat to Morton on Saturday.

The board decided to act after the team was second-bottom of the Championship table at the halfway stage.

In a statement released on Monday morning, the club’s board of directors thanked McPake for his efforts but said that they needed to act to try and turn around the side’s fortunes.

Former Dundee boss McPake joined the Pars in May 2022 and led the team out of League One, and then guided them to sixth place in the Championship the following year.

This season has been a struggle, and the team has lost 11 of their 18 league matches.

A club statement read: “Following a challenging first half of the 2024-25 season, the board of directors of Dunfermline Athletic have decided to relieve manager James McPake and assistant manager Dave Mackay of their duties.

“The board would like to thank James and Dave for their efforts at KDM Group East End Park.

“The management duo made a great impact on arrival at the club, leading us to the League One title during a record-breaking season in 2022-23. However, this season has proven challenging, and the club board felt the need to make a change as we head into January.

“Current under-18 and reserve team coach John McLaughlan has been asked to prepare the team ahead of Friday’s visit of Falkirk in the Scottish Championship.

“Whilst this decision has been taken by the current board of directors, we have made the prospective investor in the club aware of this decision.

“Finally, we recognise this has been a challenging period for supporters and we would like to thank you for your continued support. We hope to see you at KDM Group East End Park on Friday night to help back the team in an important festive fixture.”