Three years ago, Josh McPake found himself adrift in the footballing world, clubless and facing an uncertain future. Just twenty months prior, despite being in the shop window, his talent seemed to go unnoticed, with scouts and clubs apparently reluctant to take a chance. This week, however, marks a significant milestone in his career: his first call-up to the Scotland national team for upcoming Nations League fixtures. This inclusion follows a stellar start to his tenure at Heart of Midlothian, where he has become a fan favorite, serenaded with chants of "having the time of his life," a testament to his revitalized form.
The 25-year-old winger’s journey has been anything but linear. Once heralded as the next big prospect from the Rangers academy, his career trajectory has seen him navigate the challenges of Scottish League 1 with Stirling Albion, face a stalled spell at St Johnstone, and endure a series of loan spells that painted a picture of a player in constant transition. Yet, McPake remains resolute, asserting, "I wouldn’t change my journey for anything." His current comfort and impact at Tynecastle suggest a player who has found his footing, with aspirations of bringing that same confidence to the international stage. His story is a compelling narrative of resilience, patience, and ultimately, significant reward, embodying the fan-favorite lyric: "he can pass, he can score, having the time of his life, Josh McPake, watch him play on a Saturday."
The Genesis: Promising Beginnings and a Tumultuous Loan Odyssey
McPake’s footballing education began at the esteemed Rangers academy, where he spent his formative years. His dedication and talent were recognized when he was named Player of the Year in 2019, a distinction earned through consistent performances for the reserve team and his proximity to the senior squad. However, the anticipated breakthrough into the first team proved fleeting. Months after receiving the accolade, he made his sole appearance for Steven Gerrard’s side, a brief cameo in a Europa League qualifying match against St Joseph’s of Gibraltar. This brief outing was not the prelude to consistent first-team involvement; instead, just a month later, he embarked on the first of six loan spells.
The subsequent years saw McPake become a familiar face at multiple clubs across Scotland and England: Dundee, Greenock Morton, Harrogate Town, Morecambe, Tranmere Rovers, and Queen’s Park. Despite flashes of brilliance, including scoring the winning goal for Scotland’s Under-19s against Germany, no permanent move materialized. This period of constant relocation solidified his status as a footballing nomad, a player seemingly unable to settle and secure a long-term home.
The challenges intensified after his departure from Rangers on September 1, 2023. He spent nearly six months without a club, enduring "knocks and setbacks" during training stints with various teams. This period of uncertainty culminated in a short-term deal with Stirling Albion, a move that undoubtedly represented a significant recalibration for a player once tipped for stardom.
A Period of Reflection and Renewed Determination at Stirling Albion
Darren Young, the then-manager of Stirling Albion and a former Aberdeen midfielder, recalled McPake’s arrival with a mix of admiration and understanding. "He came into training and he was brilliant – he couldn’t have done any more," Young told BBC Sport Scotland. "He worked very, very hard. He helped put balls away after training, he was always doing extra bits of shooting and finishing." Young’s recollection highlights McPake’s professional attitude, even when faced with a significant drop in the league’s profile. "I joked to him once or twice, ‘if you don’t get your finger out then you’ll end up back here part-time,’ but it was one of those where you could see his ability, he was head and shoulders above the guys," Young added.
Young’s assessment underscored that McPake’s technical and attacking prowess was never in doubt. The focus for his development at Forthbank was on refining his defensive contributions and integrating into a team structure. "I didn’t need to tell him how to go by a player and put it in the top corner – he had all that," Young stated. "I was just trying to say if he could fit into the structure here, work as hard at going back as he did forward, then he’d get, hopefully, an opportunity to kick on again." This emphasis on all-around play proved crucial. Young observed a shift in McPake’s mindset: "The penny dropped and he realised to improve and progress, that’s what he had to add. He worked hard for it and he’s got what he deserved." McPake scored on his debut for Stirling, a promising sign that reignited his career. Young, reflecting on the situation, expressed surprise that McPake hadn’t been signed by a higher-level club sooner, attributing his presence at Stirling to a chain of events involving player injuries at other clubs.
Resurrection and a Stark Reality Check at St Johnstone
The tangible reward for McPake’s renewed commitment and hard work at Stirling Albion, despite the club’s relegation from League 1, was a move back to the Scottish Premiership with St Johnstone. He signed a two-year contract, signaling a significant opportunity to re-establish himself at the top level. However, his time at McDiarmid Park proved challenging. He struggled to secure a consistent starting position under both Craig Levein and his successor, Simo Valakari.
The situation reached a critical juncture during the winter transfer window of the 2023-24 season. St Johnstone, fighting for Premiership survival, found themselves unable to secure a move for McPake. Valakari, the then-manager, openly discussed McPake’s availability: "We made Josh available in January and offered him to many clubs because he needed to play," he revealed. "The truth is, nobody wanted him. We couldn’t find him any clubs." This blunt assessment served as a profound "wake-up call" for the player. Valakari elaborated, "And, for me, that was the wake-up call for Josh. That was when he decided things had to change. If things had stayed the way they were then football was done for him. He would have had to go and get a normal life." This period of intense pressure and professional uncertainty became a catalyst for McPake to re-evaluate his career and recommit to maximizing his potential.
A Dominant Championship Campaign and a Move to Gorgie
The impact of Valakari’s stark words was evident in McPake’s subsequent performances. He began to feature more regularly in the latter stages of the Premiership season, registering three assists in the post-split fixtures. Although St Johnstone were relegated, McPake’s individual performances had caught the eye, setting the stage for what would become a career-defining season in the Championship.
His return to the second tier was nothing short of spectacular. He set the tone for the campaign with a memorable hat-trick on the opening day of the season against title rivals Partick Thistle. Throughout the Championship season, McPake showcased his blistering pace, physical presence, and exceptional dribbling ability, re-establishing himself as a formidable attacking force. His knack for scoring goals was undeniable, finishing the season with an impressive 16 goals in the division.
This remarkable resurgence attracted the attention of Premiership leaders Heart of Midlothian. Hearts secured his signature on a pre-contract agreement in January, a testament to his outstanding form. However, McPake remained dedicated to St Johnstone’s promotion push, prioritizing his commitment to repaying the club that had offered him a lifeline. He concluded the season with a Championship winner’s medal, a significant personal achievement that overshadowed individual accolades, demonstrating his team-first mentality.
Transition to the Top Flight and International Recognition
McPake’s move to Hearts presented a new challenge: adapting to a different club environment and a change in management. While he had agreed the contract under manager Derek McInnes, the club’s trajectory saw McInnes depart for Rangers shortly before McPake’s arrival. Under new head coach Wouter Vrancken, McPake initially found himself on the periphery, missing out on Champions League qualifiers and the opening league fixture.
However, it did not take long for Vrancken to recognize the quality that had prompted Hearts to sign the St Johnstone standout. McPake quickly integrated into the first team, making an immediate impact. His performances have been consistently strong, highlighted by eight goal involvements in his first 11 appearances for Hearts, including a crucial goal and assist in the Edinburgh derby. This seamless transition back to the Premiership has made him an indispensable part of the Hearts squad and, consequently, a difficult player for Scotland manager Steve Clarke to overlook for the national team.
Reflecting on his journey after receiving his first Scotland call-up, McPake expressed his gratitude and determination. "It’s been a mad few years but I’ve loved every part of the journey," he stated. "Personally, I feel I needed those experiences to become the player I am now. There were a lot of setbacks but going down the levels, proving myself and working my way back up taught me a lot." His philosophy is clear: "If you want something enough and work hard for it, you can achieve it." Looking ahead, McPake remains ambitious: "I don’t want to stop here. I feel I’ve still got more to give and I’ll continue working hard to show what I can do."
McPake’s ascent from being clubless and overlooked to representing his country is a powerful illustration of the unpredictable nature of professional football and the rewards of unwavering perseverance. His story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that even after significant setbacks, dedication and a belief in oneself can lead to the highest levels of the sport. His journey also highlights the importance of a supportive environment and the potential for resurgence when players are given the opportunity and the belief to succeed. As he prepares to don the national colours, the footballing world watches with anticipation, eager to see how this remarkable comeback story continues to unfold on the international stage.
