John McGlynn, the 64‑year‑old manager of Falkirk, is looking to build on the club’s impressive comeback to the Scottish Premiership by targeting another top‑six finish, even though the off‑season has seen a significant reshuffle of the squad. After a strong debut season that saw the Bairns secure a comfortable mid‑table position, McGlynn is confident that the team can replicate that success, but he also acknowledges the added challenges that come with a second year in the top flight.
"If you can do it once, you can do it twice," McGlynn told Sky Sports News, underscoring his belief that the foundations laid last season can be reinforced with the right approach and mindset. He warned, however, that the second season is typically tougher, especially given the scale of player turnover Falkirk has experienced. "We lost 15 players at the end of last season, some of them key figures," he explained.
"Barney Stewart moved to West Brom, Calvin Miller joined Hearts, and Dylan Tait signed for Dundee United. In addition, several loan players who performed well for us have also departed." The manager’s remarks came ahead of Falkirk’s opening fixture against St Mirren, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
McGlynn emphasized that, despite the departures, the club remains ambitious. "Our primary objective, like any team, is to stay in the league," he said. "Last season we set a target of 15 points from the first 11 games and managed to hit that benchmark again in the subsequent two blocks, finishing with 45 points. That gave us a very comfortable position, and we’ll aim for a similar points total this season if possible.
At this stage, anything is on the table." The summer exodus has forced McGlynn to rethink his squad composition and bring in fresh talent to replace the outgoing stars. While the loss of a prolific scorer like Barney Stewart could be seen as a setback, McGlynn is optimistic that new signings and promoted youth players will step up.
He highlighted the club’s recruitment strategy, noting that the incoming players have been selected for their work ethic, versatility, and potential to adapt quickly to the demands of Premiership football. Beyond the immediate tactical concerns, McGlynn’s profile has risen in recent weeks, with several high‑profile figures in Scottish football suggesting he could be a candidate for the Scotland national team job now that Steve Clarke has stepped down following the World Cup exit. The former Hearts manager admitted he is flattered by the speculation but insists his focus remains squarely on Falkirk’s upcoming season. "It’s amazing to have people of such stature in the game putting my name forward for that role," he said.
"I am fully committed to my responsibilities here and have had no contact from the Scottish FA. I appreciate the recognition, but my priority is the job at hand. If the SFA does approach us, they will have to follow the proper protocol, speak with the club, and see where things lead.
For now, I’m concentrating on what I’m doing right now." McGlynn’s comments reflect a pragmatic optimism that balances ambition with realism. He understands that the loss of experienced players creates gaps that must be filled, but he also trusts in the club’s scouting network and the development pipeline to produce the quality required to compete.
The manager’s experience, having previously managed Hearts and other clubs, gives him the credibility to navigate this transitional period. Falkirk’s supporters will be watching closely as the season unfolds. The club’s recent history—returning to the Premiership after a spell in the lower divisions and securing a respectable finish—has raised expectations. Fans hope that the new signings can quickly gel with the existing core, replicating the resilience and determination that saw the Bairns achieve 45 points last term.
The upcoming match against St Mirren will serve as an early litmus test for McGlynn’s revamped squad. A strong start could set the tone for a campaign where the Bairns aim not only to avoid relegation but also to challenge for a top‑six spot, a goal that would signal a significant step forward for the club.
In summary, John McGlynn is entering his second Premiership season with a clear vision: maintain the club’s league status, target a points total similar to last year’s 45, and, if possible, push into the top half of the table. While the summer departures have presented a considerable challenge, the manager’s confidence in his recruitment and his commitment to the job suggest Falkirk are prepared to meet it head‑on. The season’s opening fixture will be a crucial indicator of how well the team has adapted, and supporters will be eager to see whether McGlynn’s belief that "if you can do it once, you can do it twice" can be turned into reality on the pitch.