Scottish Championship Duels: Dunfermline Athletic vs Falkirk
Stade : East End Park, Dunfermline
Date : Friday, December 27
Kickoff: 19h45 GMT
Broadcast information: Follow the match live on the BBC Scotland channel, BBC iPlayer, or on the BBC Sport website and app.
As Christmas approached, the Sportscene team finished their coverage with the opening remarks for the highly anticipated clash between Dunfermline Athletic and Falkirk. However, as the name ‘James McPake’s Dunfermline Athletic’ rang out, a nagging thought emerged: will McPake still be in charge when December 27 rolls around?
This apprehension surely stems from the ever-volatile nature of Football—a reality that often reveals itself with shocking brutality. Just two days before the holidays, the Dunfermline Athletic board released a statement that shook the club: “After a difficult first half of the 2024-25 season, the board has decided to relieve James McPake, manager, and Dave Mackay, assistant coach, of their duties.”
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This news, although minor for the Sportscene presenter, marked a hard blow for a duo of promising young coaches. You really have to have a heart of stone not to feel empathy for those facing job loss—especially during this precious time of year.
McPake’s professionalism and approachability have made him a beloved figure in the football community. Yet in the unforgiving environment of sport, these qualities often become less important when results fail to meet expectations.
As Dunfermline move closer to a change of ownership, the decision to carry out a coaching swap has become inevitable. Positioned penultimate in the Championship, with a daunting three-point gap to safety and having just suffered back-to-back 2-0 defeats to Raith Rovers and Greenock Morton, the text was written.
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Memories of McPake guiding Dunfermline to the Scottish League 1 title in 2023 are quickly starting to fade as Championship pressure mounts. The quest for new leadership is now essential.
Speculation over McPake’s successor is rife, with names like Ian Murray—seen in the crowd at a recent Fife derby—gaining popularity. His successful spell at Raith Rovers keeps him fresh in the minds of supporters. Another intriguing possibility could be former player Steven Naismith, who is considering a return to management following his departure from Hearts.
Dunfermline Athletic are a club steeped in history, with a passionate fan base and a stadium that contrasts with their current circumstances. Many supporters still remember the days when the Pars were a Premier League team, thriving under the management of Jimmys Calderwood and Nicholl.
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For now, this is all conjecture. It could very well be an unexpected name that emerges from anonymity. For now, John McLaughlan, coach of the under-18s and reserve team, has been handed the reins in preparation for Friday’s encounter against league leaders Falkirk, which will be broadcast live on BBC Scotland .
The John McGlynn-led Falkirk side will arrive in Dunfermline fresh from a bounce-back 1-0 win at Hamilton after suffering a defeat at Ayr United. The Bairns are undoubtedly expected to provide a strong challenge to the Pars.
This season, the clubs’ previous two meetings ended in victories for Falkirk, with a 2-0 success at East End Park in August and a 2-1 triumph at Falkirk Stadium in October.
As the Bairns prepare to cross swords with the Pars, they retain the advantage as favorites, while Dunfermline are desperate for a touch of festive cheer.
