"If you can do it once, you can do it twice." Those words echo the confidence of John McGlynn as he prepares Falkirk for another campaign in the Scottish Premiership, despite a summer that saw a massive turnover in the squad. After guiding the Bairns back to the top flight and securing a respectable top‑six finish last season, McGlynn is already looking ahead to repeat, if not improve, that achievement.
The off‑season was anything but quiet for Falkirk. The club said farewell to several key contributors, most notably prolific striker Barney Stewart, who departed for West Bromwich Albion. Mid‑fielder Calvin Miller made the move to Hearts, while promising youngster Dylan Tait headed to Dundee United. In addition, a host of loan players who had become fan favourites were recalled by their parent clubs, leaving a noticeable void in the team’s core.
Such a level of personnel change is unprecedented for McGlynn. "[There’s been a] bigger change‑around in players, first time we’ve made such a big change.
We lost 15 players at the end of last season, some big players," he told Sky Sports News. The manager acknowledged the challenge, noting that a second season in the Premiership is generally tougher than the first, especially when the squad has to be rebuilt almost from scratch. Nevertheless, his optimism remains unshaken.
"If you can do it once, you can do it twice," McGlynn repeated, emphasizing that the experience of surviving and thriving in the top tier can be replicated with the right attitude and work ethic. He added, "But we also understand that the second season is always going to be probably more difficult," underscoring the realistic perspective he brings to the job.
Falkirk’s opening fixture of the new campaign pits them against St Mirren on a Saturday, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. McGlynn sees this as an early test of the re‑shaped squad and a chance to set the tone for the months ahead.
"We're always ambitious. We want to do the best we possibly can. Like a lot of teams, first and foremost, you've got to stay in the league," he explained.
Survival is the baseline, but the ambition is to finish comfortably within the top half of the table. Reflecting on last season’s strategy, McGlynn highlighted a clear points target that guided the team’s performance.
"We targeted 15 points after the first 11 games. We managed to replicate that through the second lot of games and the third to get to 45 points, which got us in a very, very comfortable position," he said.
The 45‑point benchmark not only secured safety but also allowed the Bairns to push for a higher league finish. This season, the manager hopes to match or exceed that tally, stating, "That's a target we'll be trying to achieve if possible.
At this stage, anything's possible." Beyond the on‑field objectives, McGlynn has found himself the subject of speculation regarding a possible future role as Scotland’s national team manager. The resignation of Steve Clarke after the World Cup exit has left the Scottish FA searching for a successor, and several high‑profile figures in the game have begun to mention McGlynn’s name. While the former Hearts boss acknowledges the flattering nature of the rumors, he insists 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," he said.
"I am obviously totally committed here and I've had no contact whatsoever, so I'm very focused on the job, but it is very nice for the people that have been putting me forward and supporting in that way." When pressed about whether he would entertain an approach from the Scottish FA, McGlynn replied cautiously: "Obviously, the SFA will need to go through the proper procedure and speak to the club and see where it goes if it comes to that. I'm just focused on what I'm doing right now." His comments reveal a professional humility and a desire to earn any future opportunity through results rather than speculation. The managerial landscape in Scottish football is often volatile, and McGlynn’s ability to keep Falkirk competitive despite losing fifteen players is a testament to his recruitment acumen and motivational skills.
He has already begun to identify replacement talent, blending experienced signings with promising academy graduates to forge a balanced squad capable of coping with the rigors of Premiership football. Fans can look forward to a season that promises both excitement and uncertainty. The loss of key players will test the depth of the squad, but McGlynn’s track record suggests he can adapt tactics and instill confidence in new arrivals.
His emphasis on a clear points‑based plan provides a measurable goal for the team and a narrative for supporters to rally around. As the opening day approaches, the Bairns will travel to St Mirren with a clear message: they are not merely content with survival; they aim to prove that the success of last season was no fluke.
Whether they can replicate the 45‑point achievement remains to be seen, but with a manager who believes "if you can do it once, you can do it twice," Falkirk’s supporters have every reason to be hopeful for another strong showing in Scotland’s top division. The season will be streamed live on NOW and Sky Sports, giving fans across the country the chance to watch the Bairns’ progress. As the campaign unfolds, all eyes will be on McGlynn’s ability to navigate the challenges of squad turnover, maintain competitive momentum, and perhaps, just perhaps, lay the groundwork for a future that could extend beyond club football into the national arena.