John McGlynn, the man at the helm of Falkirk, is refusing to let a turbulent off‑season dampen his ambitions for the club’s second campaign in the Scottish Premiership. After guiding the Bairns back to the top flight and securing a respectable top‑six finish last term, McGlynn is already talking about replicating that success, even though the squad has undergone a massive reshuffle. "If you can do it once, you can do it twice," McGlynn told Sky Sports News, a line that captures his confidence and his realistic appreciation of the challenges ahead.
He acknowledges that the second season will almost certainly be tougher, especially after losing a host of key contributors at the close of the previous campaign. Fifteen players departed, including the club’s leading scorer, Barney Stewart, who moved on to West Bromwich Albion, as well as promising talents such as Calvin Miller, who signed for Hearts, and Dylan Tait, who headed to Dundee United. The exodus also included several loan players who had made a noticeable impact during their short stays. The new season kicks off with a home fixture against St Mirren on Saturday, broadcast live on Sky Sports, and McGlynn is determined to start the campaign on the right foot.
He reiterated that Falkirk’s primary objective remains staying in the Premiership – a goal they achieved comfortably last year by amassing 45 points. The club had set an early‑season target of 15 points after the first eleven matches and managed to hit the same mark in each subsequent block of games, a consistency that gave them a solid buffer in the league table. "We’re always ambitious.
We want to do the best we possibly can," McGlynn said. "Like a lot of teams, first and foremost, you’ve got to stay in the league. That’s what we tried to do last season. 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. That’s a target we’ll be trying to achieve if possible.
At this stage, anything’s possible." The manager’s optimism is tempered by a clear-eyed assessment of the squad’s new composition. The loss of fifteen players, many of whom were integral to the previous season’s success, represents the biggest turnover in the club’s recent history. McGlynn admits that integrating a flood of new faces will be a demanding task, but he also sees it as an opportunity to inject fresh energy and ideas into the team. The coaching staff will need to blend the experience of the remaining core with the enthusiasm of newcomers, while also ensuring that tactical cohesion is established quickly, given the limited preparation time before the opening match.
Beyond the immediate footballing concerns, McGlynn has found himself in the spotlight for a different reason. At 64, he has been mentioned by several pundits and former players as a potential candidate for the Scotland national team manager’s job, a role that opened up after Steve Clarke stepped down following the national side’s World Cup exit.
While the suggestion is flattering, McGlynn has been quick to stress that his focus remains firmly on Falkirk. "It’s amazing for such high‑profile people in the game to be pushing my name for that job," the former Hearts boss 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.
I think they know what I’m like and how well I’ve done, so it’s some kind of recognition. It’s nice to hear it, but I’m getting on with the job in hand right now." When asked whether he would entertain a possible approach from the Scottish FA, McGlynn replied diplomatically: "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 response underscores a professional humility and a clear prioritisation of his current responsibilities. The upcoming season also brings commercial and fan‑engagement opportunities.
The Scottish Premiership will be streamed live on NOW, and matches will continue to be broadcast on Sky Sports, ensuring that Falkirk’s supporters can follow the action from home or on the go. Additionally, promotional activities such as the Super 6 competition, offering a chance to win £250,000, are being advertised to keep the fan base energized throughout the campaign.
In summary, John McGlynn enters the new Premiership season with a blend of confidence, realism, and ambition. He recognises that replicating last year’s top‑six finish will be a tall order given the extensive player turnover, but he believes that the club’s core values and his own experience can guide Falkirk through the inevitable growing pains.
As the team prepares to face St Mirren, the manager’s mantra – "if you can do it once, you can do it twice" – serves as both a rallying cry for the players and a promise to the fans that the Bairns will continue to strive for excellence, no matter the obstacles that lie ahead.