It’s not weak to learn from other gaffers
From Gordon Strachan to Jack Ross, Dick Campbell to Michael Beale.
James McPake insists he’ll never be afraid to ask any coach for help as he embarks on a career in management.
The Dundee gaffer is Scotland’s youngest boss and attempting to get the Dark Blues back to the top flight.
In his first job, he’s still learning his trade. But rather than go it alone he’s willing to lean on the likes of Hibs manager Ross or Rangers coach Beale for advice.
That’s aside from the daily support he gets from a Dundee staff that includes Jimmy Nicholl, Dave Mackay and director of football Strachan.
McPake said: “People like Jack have been great with me. Michael has also been there when I needed it. I got to know him through Andy O’Boyle who worked with him at Liverpool.
“He was at Coventry City with me so he put us in touch. Michael’s great because he always gets back to you.
“Peter Grant and Campbell, gaffers in this division, have also helped.
“I’m not too proud to ask for advice. It might be seen as a weakness but I think it’s the opposite.
“Dick has managed at every level in Scottish football for as many years as I’ve been born. When he comes in after games he’s brilliant.
“I learn as much from Dick as I do from Michael even though they’re totally different.”
Given Strachan’s stature in the game, his presence at Dens could have overwhelmed a rookie coach.
But instead McPake soaks up the former Celtic and Scotland gaffer’s knowledge over regular cups of tea.
He said: “Gordon is always there for me on the end of a phone. But he never pushes me.
“We’ll sit and talk over a cup of tea for a few hours every week. He’ll ask why I did certain things or what I would do differently.
“That’s even when we win. He enjoys it because he’s football daft.
“I can also ask him what he would do in certain situations because when things weren’t going well for Scotland, he had a whole nation on his back.
“So what I’m dealing with is miniscule compared to what he had.
“He simplifies everything for me. At times, I’ll be banging my head against the wall.
“But he has a great eye for the game. The simple things that he picks out are actually the hardest part of the game to get right.”