John McGlynn, the Falkirk manager who guided the Bairns back into the Scottish Premiership, is already looking beyond survival and aiming for a top‑six finish this season. He acknowledges the challenges that come with a massive squad turnover but remains confident that the club can replicate the success of last year. "If you can do it once, you can do it twice," McGlynn told Sky Sports News, emphasizing that the experience of a promotion‑winning campaign provides a blueprint for future achievement. He added that the second season in the top flight is inevitably tougher, especially after losing a significant portion of the squad that helped secure their return.
"We lost 15 players at the end of last season, some big players," he explained. Among those who departed were top scorer Barney Stewart, who moved to West Bromwich Albion, midfielder Calvin Miller, who signed for Hearts, and defender Dylan Tait, who joined Dundee United.
In addition, several loan players who had performed well returned to their parent clubs, leaving McGlynn with a largely new starting eleven. The manager described this as "the biggest change‑around in players we have ever made," underscoring the scale of the rebuilding task ahead. Despite the upheaval, McGlynn’s ambition has not waned.
He stressed that Falkirk’s primary objective remains to stay in the Premiership, but he also wants the team to push for a higher league position. "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 said.
The club’s target last season was to accumulate 15 points from the first 11 games, a benchmark they met and then repeated over the next two blocks of fixtures, ultimately reaching 45 points and securing a comfortable mid‑table finish. "That’s a target we’ll be trying to achieve if possible.
At this stage, anything’s possible," McGlynn added, indicating that the same point‑goal could serve as a foundation for this campaign as well. Falkirk’s opening fixture of the new season is against St Mirren, broadcast live on Sky Sports, and McGlynn hopes the Bairns can start strongly.
The manager’s confidence is rooted in the belief that the players who remain, combined with new signings, can adapt quickly and deliver the performances needed to compete with the league’s established clubs. Beyond club duties, 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, several high‑profile figures in the Scottish game have reportedly suggested his name for the vacant head‑coach position. While flattered by the attention, McGlynn insists his focus is firmly on Falkirk’s upcoming season. "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." He acknowledged that the recognition reflects his track record, noting that his previous successes, particularly at Hearts, have earned him a reputation for getting the best out of limited resources.
However, he made it clear that any potential approach from the Scottish Football Association would have to follow the proper protocol, involving discussions with Falkirk’s board and a formal process. "I’m just focused on what I’m doing right now," he concluded. The manager’s pragmatic outlook extends to his handling of squad rotation and player development.
With a substantial number of departures, McGlynn has been active in the transfer market, targeting players who can fill the gaps left by Stewart, Miller, and Tait. He has also placed a strong emphasis on promoting youth talent from Falkirk’s academy, believing that integrating home‑grown players will not only provide depth but also reinforce the club’s identity.
In terms of tactics, McGlynn plans to maintain the attacking philosophy that served Falkirk well last season while adding a greater degree of defensive solidity to cope with the higher quality of opposition in the Premiership. He expects the new signings to adapt quickly to his preferred high‑pressing style, which relies on quick transitions and exploiting spaces behind the opposition’s back line.
The manager also highlighted the importance of mental resilience, especially after a summer of change. "The second season is always going to be probably more difficult," he said, acknowledging that the psychological aspect of competing at a higher level is as critical as the physical and technical components. To that end, McGlynn has instituted regular team‑building sessions and one‑to‑one meetings to ensure that each player feels valued and understands their role within the squad.
Fans can look forward to a season that promises both excitement and uncertainty. While the loss of key players may initially raise doubts, McGlynn’s experience, strategic planning, and unwavering belief in the team’s capability suggest that Falkirk could once again surprise the league. Whether the Bairns can achieve a top‑six finish remains to be seen, but the manager’s clear objectives, combined with a proactive approach to recruitment and development, provide a solid platform for success.
As the opening match against St Mirren approaches, all eyes will be on McGlynn to see how quickly his new squad can gel and whether his optimism translates into points on the board. The upcoming weeks will be crucial in setting the tone for what could be a remarkable campaign for Falkirk under a manager who refuses to settle for anything less than progress.