Scottish Premiership rivals Dundee have sacked manager James McPake just days after drawing Rangers in the Scottish Cup.
The Gers are facing a March double-header against the Dens Park club that will see the Ibrox side travel to Dundee twice in a row on domestic duties.
But now Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Rangers will be facing off against a different Dundee manager after James McPake was sacked by the Premiership strugglers.
The decision comes after James McPake helped guide Dundee to promotion to the Scottish Premiership last season.
“Dundee Football Club has taken the decision to release James McPake from the duties of his position of Manager,” reads an excerpt from a Dundee statement.
“It is clear that without James’ leadership the club would still be in the Championship, and for that reason, the decision to release him was not arrived at easily.
“However, at this time the club must look to a manager with additional experience with the aim of preserving James’ legacy and our place in the Premiership.
Dundee sack James McPake ahead of Rangers double-header
“It is without a doubt that someone who has achieved so much in such a short amount of time will go on to continue achieving remarkable things, and for this James has our unequivocal support and endorsement.
“We are proud to have given James his first steps in management and beyond proud of his accomplishments.
“He is, and will always remain, a valued and loved member of the Dundee FC family.”
The news also comes amid some potential for Scottish Cup fixture chaos as both Rangers and Celtic prepare to travel to Dundee in the Scottish Cup quarter finals, with our Old Firm rivals drawing Dundee United.
Both teams are set to play over the weekend of March 12th but depending on the European progress of both clubs, this will mean one of the games will be likely moved forward to Monday evening.
Rangers have a tough clash with Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League to overcome first whilst Celtic face Bodo/Glimt in the third-tier Europa Conference League.
Whilst James McPake has been relieved of his duties at Dundee, Rangers manager Gio van Bronckhorst is fully focused on the clash with Dortmund.
