McPake

[Cobra]

It's coming up to 18 months since his horror injury. Back in October we extended his deal until 2019. I just wonder what we're going to do with him for two years given that he was Hartley's lieutenant.

He turns 33 this summer. It seems very unlikely that he'll return to first team football at that age after so long out with a terrible injury.

I suspect the only option we have will be to make him a first-team coach for the next two years.

One thing's for sure. If there's no sign of him being available come pre-season we'll surely have to appoint another captain.

[DFC1974]

Never understood the logic behind contract renewal Cobra. Totally bizarre it, at the time, screamed of future responsibility starting wit his captaincy. 

[Billy Campbell's Ghost]

Aye a real strange one this

[Abernethy Dee]

Would dearly like to see Jazza play again, but, I think even he now must seriously doubt that it's going to happen, but I trust in him and am sure he is a very honourable guy and will do whatever is best for the club, as we have stood by him, in my opinion there is no rush for now, he is also a great man to have in the dressing room and we need characters like him right now!

Edited 12 May 2017 by Abernethy Dee

[bjs]

There's obviously a future for him at the club otherwise I doubt they would have taken him to the states to promote the new Dee youth set up over there.

[barkblue]

1 hour ago, bjs said:

There's obviously a future for him at the club otherwise I doubt they would have taken him to the states to promote the new Dee youth set up over there.

I see what you're saying, but with the season still on the line, who else would they take? He's also still club captain, so whether he's here long term or not, he's still one of the current faces of the club. Not meaning this to sound as harsh as it will, what else is he doing? Fair to say that if he was in contention for a game between now and the end of the season, he'd have been nowhere near The States.

I like that we've stood by McPake, but if he's to stick around then whoever is going to be our next permanent manager is going to have his playing or coaching services foisted upon them whether they want him or not, which doesn't always work well.

Considering that we started the season looking to pay three across the back and with only O'Dea, Gadz and Julen to do so, I honestly think that PH thought McPake would be back this season and when that gamble failed, he had to go out and get Gomis.

I like big Jazza a lot but I wouldn't be shocked if we see him through to a point where he either announces his retirement, or gets match fit and we release him with honours to play at a lower level.

Either way he'll be remembered for some mighty derby moments.

[Bobby123]

It comes down to are we going to be run as s business or not.

I think the reality is we have to be a business in which case the question must be asked:

Who agreed to give McPake a 3 year deal at a cost of around?250,000.

Andolutely crazy from a business point of view 

From a football supporters point of view- great - he is a good committed player who equalised at the Dump.

In the long term ?????

 

 

Edited 13 May 2017 by Bobby123

[Boba Fett]

It's not often you come across morals in football. Especially when they come at a financial cost. Maybe the club should be applauded for not leaving him on the scrap heap, seriously injured and with no chance of providing for his young family. 

He's clearly well liked and a good influence around the place and many, many other players have been shown the door in the last few years.

Its not as if we have a gigantic coaching team. In fact, most other teams that come to Dens appear to carry a larger coaching team than us.

I hope he can return to full fitness. If he doesn't, I also hope he continues to be a good ambassador for the club and evolve into a role created for him behind the scenes. 

I'd imagine we'll now have a guy at our club who will be forever appreciative and will run through walls for us. 

[harry94]

6 hours ago, Bobby123 said:

It comes down to are we going to be run as s business or not.

I think the reality is we have to be a business in which case the question must be asked:

Who agreed to give McPake a 3 year deal at a cost of around?250,000.

Andolutely crazy from a business point of view 

From a football supporters point of view- great - he is a good committed player who equalised at the Dump.

In the long term ?????

 

 

No chance that he's earning £250k from three years.

It was publicised that we had offered Harkins a longer deal which he rejected which included a wage cut. With the offers to O'Dea and the Inverness boys, it looks like we're using security as a trade off for money.

We've probably saved a wee bit on the last period of his deal which was due to finish this summer. He won't be getting more than £100k for two years (if he fulfils them).

[bapfavor]

Suspect that McPake took a hefty pay drop in exchange for the security of a longer deal and with both parties covered by insurance if he did have to pack up the game. There was obviously a long-term plan to bring him into the backroom as well. Possibly not a crazy a move as it first seemed.

[Hip Priest]

According to James' Twitter he has been over to Texas this week bigging up the Dees to the new Dundee Juniors of Central Texas, it does seem he will play a bigger role off the pitch for the club now. I had a look through the Dundee Juniors Twitter and found it all a bit bizarre seeing cars liveried with Dundee badges, them asking for 'try outs' etc. but I like us having a bit of an international feel, I think.

Roky Erickson DSC

[Wattie Rojas]

Insurance premiums on footballers are very expensive I believe so it's unlikely we'll have it. 

He's been scouting our opponents, coaching the 20s as well as the Texas thing so he's been kept busy.