McPake

[AndySOL1875]

Will he get back in the side?

:flag:

[Nevi_SOL]

Will he get back in the side?

:flag:

One thing is for sure. It won't be an easy task. I would say no atm but things change very quickly in football

[Thecat23]

I think he won't be playing for us again.

[Bishop Hibee]

If he is fully fit yes. A big 'if' though.

[hibees 7062]

Its a no for me

[blaikie]

If fit then yes

[Baldy]

NO - Forster, Hanlon & Nelson are all better players, and I think Butcher could find us better players than McPake ..

IMO - He flattered to deceive, he came into a true-ly shocking team and was blood & guts type of player (someone who played with his heart on his sleeve) however we loved that as he showed passion, unfortunately it masked the fact he was poor ... something we all saw last season

[macca70]

Doubt we'll see him again.

Think Butcher will want a settled back 4 and that will never happen with McPake in there due to his constant injuries he'd be forever having to change the back 4.

[silverhibee]

I think he won't be playing for us again.


:agree:

Can't see him ever getting back to full fitness.

[hibees 7062]

NO - Forster, Hanlon & Nelson are all better players, and I think Butcher could find us better players than McPake ..

IMO - He flattered to deceive, he came into a true-ly shocking team and was blood & guts type of player (someone who played with his heart on his sleeve) however we loved that as he showed passion, unfortunately it masked the fact he was poor ... something we all saw last season

:agree:

[Dashing Bob S]

All depends on how successful his op and rehab are. If he gets back to his best, he'll probably slot in for Nelson, who is knocking on a bit.

It's a tough road back for him though, back injuries are terrible things and they effect the entire body. He obviously tried to play through it. I hope he hasn't put his career and long term health at risk.

[monktonharp]

NO - Forster, Hanlon & Nelson are all better players, and I think Butcher could find us better players than McPake ..

IMO - He flattered to deceive, he came into a true-ly shocking team and was blood & guts type of player (someone who played with his heart on his sleeve) however we loved that as he showed passion, unfortunately it masked the fact he was poor ... something we all saw last seasonc'mon baldy, name somebody ye like:wink:

[7 Hills]

This man was a major factor in saving us from relegation after the Calderwood debacle. He has suffered from a major back problem and hopefully he will recover full physical fitness after his latest operation.

He has NOTHING to prove to any Hibs supporter IMHO.

[monktonharp]

This man was a major factor in saving us from relegation after the Calderwood debacle. He has suffered from a major back problem and hopefully he will recover full physical fitness after his latest operation.

He has NOTHING to prove to any Hibs supporter IMHO. have posted in a similar vein, on another thread:agree:

[Dashing Bob S]

This man was a major factor in saving us from relegation after the Calderwood debacle. He has suffered from a major back problem and hopefully he will recover full physical fitness after his latest operation.

He has NOTHING to prove to any Hibs supporter IMHO.

Top post. Agree with every word. Was only crap under PF as he was playing with a bad injury.

[The Harp]

This man was a major factor in saving us from relegation after the Calderwood debacle. He has suffered from a major back problem and hopefully he will recover full physical fitness after his latest operation.

He has NOTHING to prove to any Hibs supporter IMHO.

Well said 7H. Hope James regains full fitness as soon as possible and gets back playing whether it's at Hibs or elsewhere.

[AK86]

I always thought he was over rated, and got the usual treatment on here when I dared to say so.
i was at his debut at ipox , and guess what? He got sent off for two lunges :confused:
It never really changed.
yes, he showed heart when the team had none, but he was always a poor defender.
Yet another we have had a poor return from in terms of out lay.

i don't think he will play for hibs again.

[Baldy]

c'mon baldy, name somebody ye like:wink:

right now, the 10 out of the 11 who started on Saturday are not bad,along with Harris & Cummings - the rest could go for me (before you ask the one I have doubts over is McGivern (too many sloppy mistakes))

add another 5/6 quality players and supplement with Kids and we would be ok

[Hibercelona]

He's been poor due to injuries. He's the type of player that will play through an injury if the manager allows him to do so.

Fenlon was desperate, so he allowed McPake to play, even when he wasn't fit to play.

A fit McPake would be a huge addition to the squad, unfortunately, I don't think he'll ever truely get over his back problems, despite multiple operations.

[Thecat23]

James was superb when he first arrived and played a huge part in us staying up. His back injury is very serious and one he found hard to take. Two specialists told him to pack it in but he didn't listen. James is taking a massive risk playing on and if he does play again with another team I hope to god he doesn't hurt himself badly!

He'd get nothing but praise from me for helping us stay up and he's a good guy who only wants to play. Sadly I'd rather him bite the bullet and have a pain free life and be able to play with his young child than be in agony and restricted.

Good luck James, whatever you do.

[7 Hills]

Wow, there are a lot of "doctors" on this thread!

James has had some "shock-absorber" type-thingies inserted into his spine (I didn't claim to be a doctor :wink:) Who the Hell are you guys to write off a young man's career so quickly? I have seen him put his Heart and Soul in, and his injured back on the line for, the Green Jersey and that's good enough for me to reciprocate with my whole-hearted support for him! I will LOVE it when he comes back to reclaim the captaincy which he earned by pulling our arse out of the relegation fire! :flag:

[Thecat23]

Wow, there are a lot of "doctors" on this thread!

James has had some "shock-absorber" type-thingies inserted into his spine (I didn't claim to be a doctor :wink:) Who the Hell are you guys to write off a young man's career so quickly? I have seen him put his Heart and Soul in, and his injured back on the line for, the Green Jersey and that's good enough for me to reciprocate with my whole-hearted support for him! I will LOVE it when he comes back to reclaim the captaincy which he earned by pulling our arse out of the relegation fire! :flag:

Who's claiming to be a doctor? What I posted was what he's been told. He knows it, players all know it. Like yourself I'd love to see James fully fit but it will never happen.

[lucky]

This man was a major factor in saving us from relegation after the Calderwood debacle. He has suffered from a major back problem and hopefully he will recover full physical fitness after his latest operation.

He has NOTHING to prove to any Hibs supporter IMHO.

Agree 100%

[CapitalHibs]

Who's claiming to be a doctor? What I posted was what he's been told. He knows it, players all know it. Like yourself I'd love to see James fully fit but it will never happen.

Of course you dinnae need to be a doctor.... if you've ever suffered a back injury you know how sair, debilatating and repetitive they can be

[RIP Bestie]

NO - Forster, Hanlon & Nelson are all better players, and I think Butcher could find us better players than McPake ..IMO - He flattered to deceive, he came into a true-ly shocking team and was blood & guts type of player (someone who played with his heart on his sleeve) however we loved that as he showed passion, unfortunately it masked the fact he was poor ... something we all saw last seasonThis. 100%.An incredibly poor player who throws himself about the place because of his limited ability. Hope he recovers from his injuries and gets fixed up with another club but never want to see him I'm a Hibs jersey again

[Hibercelona]

This. 100%.An incredibly poor player who throws himself about the place because of his limited ability. Hope he recovers from his injuries and gets fixed up with another club but never want to see him I'm a Hibs jersey again

"Ability" is for the forward men, not defenders. What you want at the back isn't fancy trickery, it's players who are willing to stick their neck on the line to keep the team in the game. McPake is one of those type of players.

A fully fit McPake would be a godsend. But as Thecat23 pointed out, it's highly unlikely that he'll ever be fully fit again. Perhaps because he was so determined to continue playing for us, even when he knew it could cause serious complications.

[7 Hills]

Who's claiming to be a doctor? What I posted was what he's been told. He knows it, players all know it. Like yourself I'd love to see James fully fit but it will never happen.

Probably you, as you reacted to my jibe?! :wink:

[RIP Bestie]

"Ability" is for the forward men, not defenders. What you want at the back isn't fancy trickery, it's players who are willing to stick their neck on the line to keep the team in the game. McPake is one of those type of players.

A fully fit McPake would be a godsend. But as Thecat23 pointed out, it's highly unlikely that he'll ever be fully fit again. Perhaps because he was so determined to continue playing for us, even when he knew it could cause serious complications.
An incredible statement. Why don't we just pick 4 dafties from the East Stand every week? You would certainly get them playing for the jersey.

[lord bunberry]

An incredible statement. Why don't we just pick 4 dafties from the East Stand every week? You would certainly get them playing for the jersey.

Why can't we pick 4 dafties from the west stand:wink:

[RIP Bestie]

Why can't we pick 4 dafties from the west stand:wink:
Cos we're dafter in the East

[SunshineOnLeith]

never want to see him I'm a Hibs jersey again

What an absolute nonsense of a statement.

[RIP Bestie]

What an absolute nonsense of a statement.
Explain why it is an absolute nonsense of a statement.
Why would I want to see someone who, in my opinion, is a liability to my team, play another game for us?
It would be nonsense for me to want that.

[Dashing Bob S]

Explain why it is an absolute nonsense of a statement.
Why would I want to see someone who, in my opinion, is a liability to my team, play another game for us?
It would be nonsense for me to want that.

It's an absolute nonsense of a statement as I seriously doubt that you are a Hibs jersey, as you claim in your post.

[Fergus52]

NO - Forster, Hanlon & Nelson are all better players, and I think Butcher could find us better players than McPake ..

IMO - He flattered to deceive, he came into a true-ly shocking team and was blood & guts type of player (someone who played with his heart on his sleeve) however we loved that as he showed passion, unfortunately it masked the fact he was poor ... something we all saw last season

When he was playing through injury.

[RIP Bestie]

It's an absolute nonsense of a statement as I seriously doubt that you are a Hibs jersey, as you claim in your post.
Ha ha. Give you that. Cannas tipr

[RIP Bestie]

When he was playing through injury.
Fit or not, he is the worst centre half at the club IMO. Simply not good enough and certainly not someone we should be looking to with the future in mind.

[E10 Rifle]

He strikes me as the sort of player Butcher would want around him i.e. 100% committed and gets stuck in. However if he is taking up budget and unlikely to start in the future then both player and club may decide he is better off elsewhere.

[Pete]

Fit or not, he is the worst centre half at the club IMO. Simply not good enough and certainly not someone we should be looking to with the future in mind.

Totally disagree.

He was a real asset before his injury and to deny that you either didn't see him play regularly or ignored his performances. I was going to also suggest that you would have to also know nothing about football or have some sort of petty little agenda...but that would be disrespectful so I won't.

It would probably be a toss up between hanlon, nelson and mcpake for the three positions if they were all fit. It's a shame that back injuries can have such consequences.

[HFC 0-7]

This man was a major factor in saving us from relegation after the Calderwood debacle. He has suffered from a major back problem and hopefully he will recover full physical fitness after his latest operation.

He has NOTHING to prove to any Hibs supporter IMHO.

He has a lot to prove IMO. As you say he has suffered a major back problem, some players never recover from a major injury so if he gets back in he will need to prove that he can cope and that he doesnt end up back on the table again.

FWIW I think he did help us stay up but I dont think he is that good a player. Many times I have seen him he makes things look a bit rushed and panicked, goes to ground easily etc. When you have young players are you in defence who are still learning the best thing is a calm senior head in there with you.

I hope he can get back to playing football but dont think he is right for Hibs unless this op has been a major success and his injury days are behind him, question is, do we risk that or free up a wage?

[RIP Bestie]

Totally disagree.

He was a real asset before his injury and to deny that you either didn't see him play regularly or ignored his performances. I was going to also suggest that you would have to also know nothing about football or have some sort of petty little agenda...but that would be disrespectful so I won't.

It would probably be a toss up between hanlon, nelson and mcpake for the three positions if they were all fit. It's a shame that back injuries can have such consequences.
Yawn! If he's the sort of player you want to watch, fill your boots. You are obviously an expert. As has already been said he came into a very very bad team and showed something we lacked at that time. He is very very limited in what he can offer and in my opinion is not good enough. No agenda.

[calumhibee1]

"Ability" is for the forward men, not defenders. What you want at the back isn't fancy trickery, it's players who are willing to stick their neck on the line to keep the team in the game. McPake is one of those type of players.

A fully fit McPake would be a godsend. But as Thecat23 pointed out, it's highly unlikely that he'll ever be fully fit again. Perhaps because he was so determined to continue playing for us, even when he knew it could cause serious complications.

Ask Paolo Maldini, or Carlos Puyol if ability is just for the forward players. Watch the best defenders in the world for 90 minutes, and you'll realise they very rarely leave there feet. An example closer to home, although I'm not comparing him to these guys, is Paul Hanlon recently.. Strolling through games and doesn't have to throw himself around the place, because he has a hell of a lot of ability as a centre half.

[heretoday]

I'd have thought McPake was a Butcher-type player with loads of guts. Ability-wise we could do a lot better.

[Heisenberg]

I think he'll be a goner at the end of the season. Probably our highest earner as well.

[Brightside]

Ask Paolo Maldini, or Carlos Puyol if ability is just for the forward players. Watch the best defenders in the world for 90 minutes, and you'll realise they very rarely leave there feet. An example closer to home, although I'm not comparing him to these guys, is Paul Hanlon recently.. Strolling through games and doesn't have to throw himself around the place, because he has a hell of a lot of ability as a centre half.

Spot on. I wish some British people would wake up to modern football. A good CB should be just as skillfull as anyone else on the pitch. Loads of fans hated the fact that Hanlon wouldnt commit to big tackles. He's a ball player. His first touch is as good as anyone in the squad, and he looks to pass the ball after a tackle. The worst type of defender is the one who spends his time on his butt. The days of players that slid through attackers taking them and the ball into the stand should be history. Thankfully coaches are trying to get rid of this in youth players...its only the dinosaur parents \ fans that will ruin the development.

[Beefster]

Given McPake's role in leading the team and keeping us up the season before last, I find all the retrospective criticism he gets a bit ungrateful and classless. He's been struggling with injury and putting his body on the line for Hibs for over a year. Deserves a bit more respect IMHO.

If he can get back to full fitness and Butcher wants him, I'd be delighted to see him stay.

[jacomo]

This. 100%.An incredibly poor player who throws himself about the place because of his limited ability. Hope he recovers from his injuries and gets fixed up with another club but never want to see him I'm a Hibs jersey again

Don't you think it could be limited mobility (due to his injuries) that is more the problem?

McPake is no Beckenbauer but this post is uncalled for. Some people have short memories.

[IWasThere2016]

Given McPake's role in leading the team and keeping us up the season before last, I find all the retrospective criticism he gets a bit ungrateful and classless. He's been struggling with injury and putting his body on the line for Hibs for over a year. Deserves a bit more respect IMHO.

If he can get back to full fitness and Butcher wants him, I'd be delighted to see him stay.

:top marks

[blackpoolhibs]

When he first signed he was a colossus for the club, just the type of player we all needed and wanted. He gave everything and more, but since his loan spell its been as clear as the nose on everyones face that he's just not fit.

He's tried to play through it, but he cant and i expect him to leave in the summer.

I dont see a future in the game unless there is a miracle, but he goes with my best wishes and hope he can lead a healthy life away from Easter Road. :top marks

[bookert]

Ask Paolo Maldini, or Carlos Puyol if ability is just for the forward players. Watch the best defenders in the world for 90 minutes, and you'll realise they very rarely leave there feet. An example closer to home, although I'm not comparing him to these guys, is Paul Hanlon recently.. Strolling through games and doesn't have to throw himself around the place, because he has a hell of a lot of ability as a centre half.
Agree absolutely with this

[RIP Bestie]

Don't you think it could be limited mobility (due to his injuries) that is more the problem?

McPake is no Beckenbauer but this post is uncalled for. Some people have short memories.
I thought this was a discussion forum? I have given an honest opinion and stick by it. John Blackley was a brilliant defender but I wouldn't like to see him back in a Hibs jersey now. McPakes style of defending is asking for trouble in my opinion and it's not for me.

[Cropley10]

I'd have thought McPake was a Butcher-type player with loads of guts. Ability-wise we could do a lot better.

Nelson looks a much better player than McPake. Certainly makes less mistakes.

[jacomo]

I thought this was a discussion forum? I have given an honest opinion and stick by it. John Blackley was a brilliant defender but I wouldn't like to see him back in a Hibs jersey now. McPakes style of defending is asking for trouble in my opinion and it's not for me.

Your opinion is as valid as mine and you are perfectly entitled to air it here. I just think describing McPake as "an incredibly poor player" when he fulfilled an important role in helping us avoid relegation in 2011/12 and then helping Hibs find some bottle after that Cup Final debacle is unnecessary. If Nelson gets injured we might well need him again this season.

[RIP Bestie]

Your opinion is as valid as mine and you are perfectly entitled to air it here. I just think describing McPake as "an incredibly poor player" when he fulfilled an important role in helping us avoid relegation in 2011/12 and then helping Hibs find some bottle after that Cup Final debacle is unnecessary. If Nelson gets injured we might well need him again this season.
I have already conceded that he gave us a boost when it was needed. Let's not forget that he was also part of that cup final debacle

[MB62]

James was the perfect man for us just when we needed him most and agree he played a big part in helping us avoid the drop (without any help from the SPL/SFA :wink:).
What was also a popular opinion on here was, how much he helped Paul Hanlon progress as Paul started playing better than he had ever done.
However, times move on, players come and go and now IMO, James time has possibly come to either find a new club or depending on his recovery, a new career. One thing that does have me wondering though is, did his form suffer because he was trying too hard to be the main man alongside Hanlon? and if this is the case, could he now do a good job alongside Nelson?

As I mentioned in another thread though, we presently have four centre halves playing in the back four and if letting James go at the end of the season allows us to use his wage to sign somebody in other positions more needed, then so be it.

[Borderhibbie76]

Some poor classless posts on here...the guy saved us from tge drop 2 years ago...obviously cares very deeply for our club and its clear to see he has beeb struggling for fitness!! No need to slag the guy off...imo he prob will leave in summer but lets just get behind our former skipper in his fight for fitness! !

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

[McIntosh]

Some poor classless posts on here...the guy saved us from tge drop 2 years ago...obviously cares very deeply for our club and its clear to see he has been struggling for fitness!! No need to slag the guy off...imo he prob will leave in summer but lets just get behind our former skipper in his fight for fitness! !

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk


:top marksWell said. Many of the comments are out of order. What do these posters want - they expect loyalty from players but can't show any to a player who has played through injury and who has shown a passion for the club which over many years has been sadly absent. McPake has faults as we all do but the difference is - he would probably admit them.

[RIP]

If these threads achieve nothing else it's to recycle ill-conceived and insensitive criticism of Hibernian players. As a regular user I'm sure I've read worse but there seems to be an increase of these type of threads over recent seasons. In an era where so many players use social media - is it any wonder there's a lack of connection between players and 'fans' at our club

[MB62]

If these threads achieve nothing else it's to recycle ill-conceived and insensitive criticism of Hibernian players. As a regular user I'm sure I've read worse but there seems to be an increase of these type of threads over recent seasons. In an era where so many players use social media - is it any wonder there's a lack of connection between players and 'fans' at our club

Something else it achieves is to allow people to give their full backing to Hibernian players, as has happened on this particular thread.

[RIP Bestie]

Some poor classless posts on here...the guy saved us from tge drop 2 years ago...obviously cares very deeply for our club and its clear to see he has beeb struggling for fitness!! No need to slag the guy off...imo he prob will leave in summer but lets just get behind our former skipper in his fight for fitness! !

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk
Can't see where anyone has slagged him off. The only thing I have seen is people giving THEiR opinions on McPakes qualities and THEIR opinion on where he fits in as we move forward as a club. No one, myself included, wishes him anything but good luck in his rehabilitation from his operation, so I'm at a loss to see how people who care very deeply for our club and want the best players at the club are being branded as classless because their opinion on this player differs from yours. Get a grip

[Scouse Hibee]

We had the best from him two years ago, since then regardless of injuries he has shown to be no better than average and certainly no better than our current centre backs both in his positioning and decision making. No great loss to the squad if he moves on. Wish him all the beat and hope he recovers fully from his operation.

[steviehibsleith]

When he first signed he was a colossus for the club, just the type of player we all needed and wanted. He gave everything and more, but since his loan spell its been as clear as the nose on everyones face that he's just not fit.

He's tried to play through it, but he cant and i expect him to leave in the summer.

I dont see a future in the game unless there is a miracle, but he goes with my best wishes and hope he can lead a healthy life away from Easter Road. :top marks

Agree with all above, short memories by some on here forgetting when he came initially on a 6 month loan from Coventry how well he did. When the loan was up everyone was shouting for Rod to get him signed on a full contract.

[hibsbollah]

This man was a major factor in saving us from relegation after the Calderwood debacle. He has suffered from a major back problem and hopefully he will recover full physical fitness after his latest operation.

He has NOTHING to prove to any Hibs supporter IMHO.

:agree:

[craigmounthibby]

Main issue is that he's out of contract in June, so he has until then to prove his fitness and challenge for a place to justify meriting a new deal. At the moment that appears unlikely.

The guy isn't yet 30. He's had to take the captaincy being removed and that in itself is a bit of a kick in the guts (but the correct decision). Add that to the fact that he probably hasn't been fully fit since he signed 2 years ago (knackered his back while at Coventry).....I'd love him to make a complete recovery and challenge Nelson and Hanlon for a place at centre back.

[Itsnoteasy]

"Ability" is for the forward men, not defenders. What you want at the back isn't fancy trickery, it's players who are willing to stick their neck on the line to keep the team in the game. McPake is one of those type of players.

A fully fit McPake would be a godsend. But as Thecat23 pointed out, it's highly unlikely that he'll ever be fully fit again. Perhaps because he was so determined to continue playing for us, even when he knew it could cause serious complications.


Sauzee :not worth ooooooozed ability he wisnae a forward

[Itsnoteasy]

Agree with all above, short memories by some on here forgetting when he came initially on a 6 month loan from Coventry how well he did. When the loan was up everyone was shouting for Rod to get him signed on a full contract.

He wasn't as good after signing contract :agree: