John McGlynn, the man at the helm of Falkirk, is refusing to let a massive summer turnover dampen his aspirations for the upcoming Scottish Premiership campaign. After guiding the Bairns back to the top flight and securing a respectable top‑six finish last season, the 64‑year‑old manager is already looking ahead to repeat the feat, despite the club parting ways with a host of key figures during the off‑season.
"If you can do it once, you can do it twice," McGlynn told Sky Sports News, a sentiment that captures both his confidence and his realistic appraisal of the challenges ahead. He acknowledged that achieving a second strong finish would be tougher, especially after losing fifteen players at the conclusion of the previous campaign.
Among those departures were prolific striker Barney Stewart, who moved to West Brom, midfielder Calvin Miller, who signed for Hearts, and defender Dylan Tait, who joined Dundee United. In addition, several loan players who had performed admirably returned to their parent clubs, leaving a noticeable gap in the squad. The Bairns will kick off their new season against St Mirren on Saturday, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. McGlynn’s message to the fans and the players is clear: the club remains ambitious and aims to finish as high as possible, but the primary objective is to secure the league status that was hard‑won last year.
He reminded everyone that Falkirk’s strategy last season was built around a concrete points target. "We set a goal of 15 points after the first 11 games," he recalled.
"We hit that mark, then repeated the same benchmark in the second and third blocks of fixtures, which took us to 45 points and put us in a very comfortable position." He added that the same target will guide the team this season, though he is open to exceeding it if circumstances allow. Beyond the immediate on‑field goals, McGlynn has found himself the subject of speculation regarding the Scotland national team job. Following Steve Clarke’s resignation after the World Cup disappointment, several high‑profile figures in Scottish football have floated McGlynn’s name as a potential successor. While flattered by the attention, the former Hearts manager stressed that his focus remains squarely on Falkirk’s Premiership campaign.
"It’s amazing that such prominent people in the game are putting my name forward for that role," he said. "I’m completely committed to this club, I haven’t had any contact with the SFA, and I’m concentrating on the job at hand." When pressed about whether he would entertain an approach from the Scottish FA, McGlynn replied that any formal process would need to go through the proper channels, involving both the association and Falkirk. "I’m just focused on what I’m doing right now," he reiterated, underscoring his dedication to the team’s immediate challenges. The summer exodus has forced McGlynn to rebuild his squad from the ground up.
The departure of seasoned professionals like Stewart, Miller and Tait means that the manager must rely on a blend of experienced signings, promising academy graduates, and strategic loan deals to fill the void. He has already identified a handful of targets who can bring both grit and technical ability to the side, and he is keen to integrate them quickly so that the team can develop cohesion before the season opener.
McGlynn’s approach to recruitment emphasizes character as much as talent. He believes that players who demonstrate a strong work ethic and a willingness to fight for every ball are essential for a club undergoing transition. "When you lose a lot of players, you need to bring in individuals who understand the club’s culture and are ready to give their all," he explained. This philosophy aligns with Falkirk’s broader strategy of fostering a resilient, hard‑working identity that can compete against the more financially endowed clubs in the league.
In addition to the on‑pitch rebuild, the manager is also focused on maintaining morale within the dressing room. He has held several team meetings to reassure the squad that the club’s ambitions remain unchanged despite the roster turnover.
By highlighting the successes of the previous season and outlining a clear roadmap for the future, McGlynn hopes to instill confidence and a sense of purpose among his players. The upcoming match against St Mirren will serve as an early litmus test for the restructured side.
While the result will be important, McGlynn is more interested in evaluating how the new players adapt to the team’s style of play and how quickly they can execute the tactical plans he has devised. He expects a period of adjustment, but he is confident that the squad’s collective determination will see them through the initial hurdles.
Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports, and the league will also be streamed via NOW for those who prefer online viewing. As the season unfolds, McGlynn’s mantra of “if you can do it once, you can do it twice” will be tested against the realities of squad turnover, competitive pressure, and the ever‑present goal of staying in the Premiership. In summary, John McGlynn is entering the new Scottish Premiership season with a clear vision: rebuild, compete, and aim for a top‑six finish while ensuring the club remains safely in the division. His experience, combined with a pragmatic yet optimistic outlook, positions Falkirk to navigate the challenges of a post‑summer overhaul and possibly surpass the expectations set by last year’s achievements.