John McGlynn, the seasoned Falkirk manager, is already looking ahead to another strong showing in the Scottish Premiership despite a summer that saw a substantial turnover of players. After guiding the Bairns back to the top flight and securing a respectable top‑six finish last season, McGlynn insists that the club can repeat, if not improve upon, that achievement.
"If you can do it once, you can do it twice," he told Sky Sports News, emphasizing his belief that the groundwork laid last year can be built upon. Yet he also acknowledged that a second season in the Premiership typically presents tougher challenges, especially when the squad has undergone a major reshuffle. "We lost 15 players at the end of last season – some of them were key figures," McGlynn explained. "Barney Stewart moved to West Brom, Calvin Miller headed to Hearts, and Dylan Tait joined Dundee United.
On top of that, several loan players who performed admirably returned to their parent clubs." The manager’s candid assessment underscores the magnitude of the changes Falkirk has faced. The departure of top scorer Stewart alone represented a significant loss of firepower, while the exits of Miller and Tait removed both experience and versatility from the side. In response, McGlynn has been busy rebuilding, bringing in fresh talent and promoting promising youngsters from the academy to fill the gaps. He believes that the new group, although less familiar, possesses the hunger and potential required to compete at this level.
Falkirk’s opening fixture of the new season will be against St Mirren on Saturday, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. McGlynn sees this as an opportunity to set the tone for the campaign.
"We’re always ambitious," he said. "Our primary aim, like any club, is to stay in the league, but we also want to push for as high a finish as possible. Last season we set a clear target of 15 points from the first 11 games, and we managed to hit that benchmark again in the second and third blocks of fixtures, ending the season with 45 points. That gave us a very comfortable position, and we intend to replicate that consistency this year." The 64‑year‑old manager, who previously steered Hearts, has been linked by various pundits and former players to the vacant Scotland national team job following Steve Clarke’s resignation after the World Cup disappointment.
While flattered by the speculation, McGlynn made it clear that his focus remains squarely on Falkirk’s immediate objectives. "It’s amazing that high‑profile figures in the game are putting my name forward for that role," he remarked. "I’m completely committed here, I’ve had no contact from the SFA, and I’m concentrating on the job at hand.
It’s nice to hear the recognition, but my priority is the work we have to do this season." When pressed about whether he would entertain an approach from the Scottish FA, McGlynn responded diplomatically: "If they do get in touch, they will have to follow the proper procedures, speak with the club, and see where things go. At the moment, I’m just focused on what I’m doing right now." Beyond the managerial spotlight, the club itself is preparing for a season of adaptation. The recruitment strategy has emphasized a blend of experience and youth, aiming to create a balanced squad capable of coping with the physical demands of the Premiership. New signings are expected to bring different skill sets, from solid defensive organization to creative midfield play, while academy graduates will be given opportunities to prove themselves on the big stage.
McGlynn also highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong team spirit amid the changes. "When you lose a large number of players, it can disrupt the chemistry,” he said. “But it also offers a chance to forge new relationships and a fresh identity. We’re building a culture where every player feels valued and knows their role.” The manager’s pragmatic optimism is reflected in his tactical approach as well.
He plans to retain the attacking mindset that served Falkirk well last season, while introducing more flexibility to counteract stronger opposition. Defensive solidity will be a priority, especially given the loss of several seasoned defenders, and the coaching staff has been working on set‑piece routines to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Fans can look forward to a season that promises both excitement and resilience.
The club’s supporters have already expressed confidence in McGlynn’s leadership, citing his track record of turning challenges into opportunities. As the Bairns prepare to step onto the pitch against St Mirren, the message from the dugout is clear: ambition, hard work, and a belief that past success can be replicated, even in the face of a dramatically altered roster.
In summary, John McGlynn is entering his second Premiership campaign with Falkirk determined to defy the odds presented by a substantial summer exodus. By focusing on clear targets, reinforcing squad depth, and nurturing a cohesive team environment, he aims to guide the Bairns back into the top half of the table.
While the allure of a national team role may linger in the background, his immediate priority remains delivering results for Falkirk and keeping the club’s Premiership aspirations alive.