James McPake on Walter Smith advice behind Dunfermline decision as he admits Dundee exit left him 'fed up'

It’s just four hours before his biggest game of the season.

But Dunfermline Athletic’s manager could barely look more relaxed before the top-of-the-table midweek clash with Falkirk. In the bowels of East End Park, he sits back in his office chair with a coffee, sporting a grin as wide as the Firth of Forth. This is a different James McPake.

Not the guy who looked at times like the weight of the world was on his shoulders at Dundee. Not the guy who got angry at every misplaced pass or bad decision. Not the guy who was never away from Dens Park, such was his desperation to do well in the job. All of that took its toll. To the point where he didn’t want to return to the dugout anytime soon. But this is a new guy. Ask his wife Dawn if you need confirmation. The fact he feels at home in Fife is apt given how he auditioned for the Pars gig.

When Dunfermline’s German owners turned up at his HOUSE to interview him, he sensed something special. That personal touch was something he hadn’t experienced since he stopped playing. Last May, McPake wasn’t ready to come back into football.

Then he remembered words of wisdom from legendary gaffer Walter Smith – and agreed to become Dunfermline’s new boss. And right now it looks like an inspired decision. After seeing off closest rivals Falkirk 2-0 shortly after meeting Record Sport they’re clear at the top of League One, a division a club this size should never be in.

On Tuesday night McPake took the adulation of 7500 Pars supporters who are now demanding success again. And yet, despite being surrounded by pictures of Jock Stein, Norrie McCathie and famous European nights at this stadium, the current manager is taking it all in his stride.

He said: “The owners, Thomas Meggle and Nick