John McGlynn, the Falkirk manager who guided the Bairns back to the Scottish Premiership with an impressive debut season, is already looking ahead to another strong showing. Despite a turbulent off‑season that saw a wave of departures—including the club’s leading scorer, Barney Stewart—McGlynn remains confident that his side can repeat, if not improve upon, last year’s top‑six finish.
"If you can do it once, you can do it twice," McGlynn told Sky Sports News, underscoring his belief that success is replicable when the right foundations are in place. He was quick to acknowledge, however, that the second season in the top flight often brings new challenges. "The second season is always going to be probably more difficult," he said, pointing to the significant roster changes that Falkirk endured over the summer. The Bairns experienced a substantial turnover, losing fifteen players at the close of the previous campaign.
Among the most notable exits were striker Barney Stewart, who secured a move to West Bromwich Albion, midfielder Calvin Miller, who headed to Hearts, and defender Dylan Tait, who joined Dundee United. In addition, several loan players who had made valuable contributions returned to their parent clubs. McGlynn described this as "the biggest change‑around in players we’ve ever had," a situation he admitted the club had never faced before. Nevertheless, the manager stressed that ambition remains at the heart of Falkirk’s approach.
"We want to do the best we possibly can," he asserted. "Like a lot of teams, first and foremost you’ve got to stay in the league." That pragmatic goal was the cornerstone of last season’s strategy. Early on, McGlynn set a target of fifteen points from the first eleven fixtures, a benchmark the team met and then duplicated in the subsequent two blocks of games. By the end of the campaign, Falkirk had amassed 45 points, securing a comfortable position well clear of the relegation zone and earning a place among the league’s upper half.
Looking forward, McGlynn said the same point total remains a realistic aim for the upcoming season. "That’s a target we’ll be trying to achieve if possible.
At this stage, anything’s possible," he said, emphasizing that the club’s objectives are both ambitious and adaptable. The Bairns will kick off their Premiership defence against St Mirren on Saturday, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, providing a perfect platform for McGlynn to showcase his refreshed squad. Beyond the tactical and squad considerations, McGlynn has also found himself in the spotlight for a completely different reason. Following Scotland’s disappointing exit from the World Cup and the subsequent resignation of Steve Clarke, a number of high‑profile figures within the Scottish game have floated McGlynn’s name as a potential candidate for the national team’s head coach position.
While flattered by the speculation, the 64‑year‑old former Hearts manager made it clear that his focus remains squarely on Falkirk. "It’s amazing for such high‑profile people in the game to be pushing my name for that job," McGlynn said.
"I am obviously totally committed here and I’ve had no contact whatsoever, so I’m very focused on the job. It’s nice to hear the support, but I’m getting on with the work in front of me." He added that any formal approach from the Scottish Football Association would have to follow the proper procedural channels, including discussions with Falkirk’s board.
"I’m just focused on what I’m doing right now," he concluded. The manager’s comments reflect a broader philosophy that balances personal ambition with loyalty to his current club.
By maintaining a clear-eyed focus on the immediate challenges—integrating a host of new signings, establishing a cohesive tactical identity, and ensuring the team remains competitive in a demanding league—McGlynn hopes to build on the momentum generated last season. Falkirk’s summer recruitment drive has already begun to bear fruit. While the loss of key players could have destabilised the squad, the club has secured several promising additions, including a mix of experienced veterans and hungry youngsters eager to prove themselves at the Premiership level. McGlynn is expected to blend these new faces with the core of the side that achieved 45 points, aiming to create a balanced unit capable of both defending stoutly and attacking with flair.
Fans can anticipate a season that begins with a high‑profile clash against St Mirren, a test that will likely set the tone for the months ahead. With the manager’s confidence, a clear set of targets, and a refreshed roster, Falkirk appears poised to challenge for a solid mid‑table finish and perhaps even push for a spot in the coveted top six once more. In summary, John McGlynn’s message is one of optimism tempered by realism.
He recognises the hurdles posed by a large turnover of players, yet he believes that the foundations laid last season—discipline, ambition, and a clear points‑goal strategy—can be replicated. As the new Premiership campaign unfolds, all eyes will be on Falkirk to see whether the Bairns can turn summer upheaval into on‑field success, and whether McGlynn’s steady leadership can guide them back into the league’s upper echelon.