John McGlynn, the man at the helm of Falkirk, is already looking beyond the immediate challenges of a squad that has undergone a massive reshuffle this summer. After steering the Bairns back into the Scottish Premiership with a respectable top‑six finish last season, the 64‑year‑old manager is confident that the club can replicate that success, even though they have lost a host of key contributors. "If you can do it once, you can do it twice," McGlynn told Sky Sports News, underscoring his belief that the team’s previous achievement was not a one‑off fluke.
He acknowledged, however, that repeating the feat would be a tougher proposition. "The second season is always going to be more difficult," he said, noting that this year’s turnover in personnel is unprecedented for Falkirk.
Fifteen players departed at the end of the campaign, including the prolific striker Barney Stewart, who moved on 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 admirably were recalled to their parent clubs. The Bairns will kick off their new Premiership adventure against St Mirren on a Saturday afternoon broadcast live on Sky Sports, and McGlynn is already setting his sights on a high finish. He explained that the club’s ambition is not simply to survive but to push for a position in the league’s upper half.
"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.
"That’s what we tried to do last season. We targeted 15 points after the first 11 games, and we managed to replicate that across the second and third blocks of fixtures, ending up with 45 points, which put us in a very comfortable spot. That target is still on the table – at this stage, anything is possible." McGlynn’s confidence is not unfounded.
Falkirk’s 2022‑23 campaign saw them finish in the top six, a remarkable turnaround after a period of struggle in the lower tiers. The manager’s tactical acumen, combined with a disciplined squad ethic, helped the team punch above its weight.
Yet the summer exodus of talent presents a fresh set of obstacles. Replacing a goal‑scoring forward like Stewart, who contributed a significant share of the team’s goals, is no small task. Likewise, losing a creative midfielder in Miller and a solid defensive presence in Tait means the coaching staff must find suitable replacements or adjust their system to compensate.
In response, McGlynn has been active in the transfer market, seeking both permanent signings and strategic loan deals to fill the gaps. He has emphasized the importance of integrating new arrivals quickly, fostering a cohesive unit that can adapt to his preferred style of play – a pragmatic, high‑pressing approach that emphasizes quick transitions and collective defending. The manager believes that a blend of experienced veterans and hungry young talent will provide the balance needed to compete against the league’s established sides. Beyond the tactical considerations, McGlynn is also dealing with external speculation about his future.
Following Scotland’s disappointing exit from the World Cup and the subsequent resignation of Steve Clarke, the Scottish Football Association has been rumored to be searching for a new national team boss. McGlynn’s name has surfaced repeatedly in the media, with many pundits suggesting he could be a strong candidate.
While flattered by the attention, he has been clear that his priority remains the club that has given him his current platform. "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 work in hand right now." When asked whether he would entertain a call from the SFA, McGlynn replied that any approach would have to follow the proper protocol, involving discussions with Falkirk’s board before any decision could be made.
"I’m just focused on what I’m doing right now," he reiterated. The manager’s pragmatic outlook reflects his long‑term vision for Falkirk.
He wants the club not only to survive in the top flight but to build a sustainable model that can consistently challenge for European spots. To that end, he has been investing in the club’s youth academy, promoting home‑grown players who understand the club’s culture and can provide a pipeline of talent for the first team. This strategy, combined with shrewd recruitment, aims to mitigate the financial constraints that smaller Scottish clubs often face. Fans, too, have expressed optimism.
The Bairns’ supporters have witnessed a resurgence in recent years, with higher attendances and a renewed sense of community pride. The upcoming match against St Mirren is seen as a litmus test for the new squad’s cohesion and McGlynn’s tactical adjustments. A strong performance could set the tone for the season, while a stumble would highlight areas that need immediate attention.
In summary, John McGlynn enters the new Scottish Premiership season with a clear mission: to prove that Falkirk can repeat, or even improve upon, last year’s top‑six finish despite a substantial turnover in playing staff. His confidence, grounded in past success and a proactive approach to squad rebuilding, offers a compelling narrative for a club eager to re‑establish itself among Scotland’s elite. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on the Bairns to see whether McGlynn’s belief that "if you can do it once, you can do it twice" translates into tangible results on the pitch.