John McGlynn, the man at the helm of Falkirk, is already looking ahead with optimism as the Bairns prepare for another season in the Scottish Premiership. After guiding the team back to the top tier and securing a respectable top‑six finish, McGlynn believes the club can replicate that success, even though the off‑season has brought a wave of player turnover.
"If you can do it once, you can do it twice," McGlynn told Sky Sports News, underscoring his belief that the achievements of the previous campaign are not a one‑off occurrence. He cautioned, however, that the second season in the Premiership is likely to present greater challenges. "The second season is always probably more difficult," he explained, noting that the squad has undergone its most significant reshuffle in recent memory. Falkirk’s departure list includes several key figures.
Leading scorer Barney Stewart secured a move to English side West Bromwich Albion, while midfielder Calvin Miller headed to Hearts and defender Dylan Tait signed for Dundee United. In addition, a number of loan players who had contributed heavily to the club’s resurgence returned to their parent clubs, leaving McGlynn with a substantial rebuilding task.
In total, fifteen players exited the club at the close of last season, a turnover that McGlynn described as "a bigger change‑around in players, the first time we've made such a big change." Despite the upheaval, the manager remains steadfast in his ambition. "We're always ambitious. We want to do the best we possibly can," he said.
He emphasized that, like any club, the primary objective is to maintain Premiership status. The Bairns’ strategy last season involved setting clear, incremental targets: achieving 15 points in the first eleven matches, then replicating that output in the subsequent two blocks of fixtures.
By reaching roughly 45 points overall, Falkirk positioned itself comfortably mid‑table, far from any relegation worries. Looking ahead, McGlynn reiterated that the same point‑goal framework will guide the new campaign, though he admitted that "anything's possible" once the season gets underway. The first match of the season pits Falkirk against St Mirren on a Saturday, a game that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
The manager hopes the team can hit the ground running, despite the loss of several influential players. Beyond club matters, McGlynn has found himself the subject of speculation regarding the Scotland national team job. Following Steve Clarke’s resignation after Scotland’s World Cup exit, a number of high‑profile figures within the Scottish game have floated McGlynn’s name as a potential successor.
While flattered by the attention, the 64‑year‑old former Hearts manager made it clear that his focus remains squarely on his current responsibilities at Falkirk. "It's amazing for such high‑profile people in the game to be pushing my name for that job," he 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 job in hand right now." When asked whether he would entertain an approach from the Scottish Football Association, McGlynn replied that any such discussion would have to follow the proper procedural channels, involving both the SFA and Falkirk.
"I'm just focused on what I'm doing right now," he affirmed, underscoring his dedication to steering the Bairns through what promises to be a demanding season. The upcoming season will test McGlynn’s ability to integrate new signings, re‑establish a cohesive playing style, and maintain the confidence that carried Falkirk back to the Premiership. The manager’s experience, combined with his clear vision for incremental point targets, suggests that the club is prepared to tackle the challenges head‑on.
Fans can look forward to a campaign that, while uncertain, is driven by ambition, strategic planning, and a desire to prove that the success of the previous year was no fluke. As the season kicks off, Falkirk supporters will be watching closely to see whether McGlynn’s philosophy of "if you can do it once, you can do it twice" translates into another strong finish, or whether the summer exodus proves too great a hurdle. Either way, the manager’s commitment to the club and his clear focus on the task at hand provide a solid foundation for whatever lies ahead.