John McGlynn, the Falkirk manager who guided the Bairns back to the Scottish Premiership with an impressive campaign, is already looking ahead to another strong showing, despite a summer that has seen a considerable turnover in the squad. In a recent interview with Sky Sports News, McGlynn emphasized his belief that success can be repeated, stating, "If you can do it once, you can do it twice," while also acknowledging the added challenges that come with a second season at the top level. The departure of several key players at the close of last season has forced Falkirk into a period of rebuilding.
Among those who left were top scorer Barney Stewart, who secured a move to West Bromwich Albion, midfielder Calvin Miller, who signed for Hearts, and forward Dylan Tait, who transferred to Dundee United. In addition to these permanent exits, a number of loan players who had performed admirably for the club also returned to their parent clubs, leaving a noticeable gap in the squad’s depth and experience.
McGlynn admitted that this level of turnover is unprecedented in his tenure at Falkirk. "[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 said.
The manager highlighted that the sheer volume of departures – fifteen players in total – represents a significant reshaping of the team’s core, and that the club will need to integrate new signings quickly if they are to maintain the momentum built during the promotion season. The Bairns will kick off their new Premiership campaign against St Mirren on Saturday, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
McGlynn stressed that, despite the upheaval, his ambition remains unchanged. "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 objective, but the manager’s sights are set higher.
He recalled the pragmatic target set for the previous season – to accumulate 15 points from the first eleven games – a benchmark that the team met and then replicated across the subsequent two blocks of fixtures, ultimately reaching the 45‑point mark. That tally placed Falkirk comfortably above the relegation zone and gave the club a solid platform to build upon. "That's a target we'll be trying to achieve if possible.
At this stage, anything's possible," McGlynn added, indicating that the club will aim to match or exceed the 45‑point target this season, despite the loss of key personnel. He emphasized that the new group of players will need to quickly develop chemistry and adapt to the manager’s tactical approach, which has been praised for its balance between defensive solidity and attacking intent. Beyond the immediate footballing concerns, McGlynn has also been the subject of speculation regarding a potential appointment as Scotland’s national team manager.
Following Steve Clarke’s resignation after Scotland’s World Cup exit, several high‑profile figures within the Scottish game have suggested McGlynn as a candidate. While flattered by the attention, the 64‑year‑old former Hearts boss made it clear that his focus remains squarely on his club responsibilities. "It's amazing for such high‑profile people in the game to be pushing my name for that job," he said, noting that he has received no direct contact from the Scottish FA and that his priority is to concentrate on the upcoming Premiership season.
He continued, "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 pressed about whether he would entertain a national team role if approached, McGlynn replied that any such discussion would need to follow the proper procedures, involving the SFA and Falkirk, but reiterated that his immediate concern is the work at hand. The manager’s comments reflect a broader theme in modern football: the need for clubs to adapt quickly to player turnover while maintaining competitive standards.
Falkirk’s situation illustrates how a club can lose a substantial portion of its squad yet still retain a clear strategic vision. By setting realistic yet aspirational targets – such as replicating the 45‑point benchmark – McGlynn provides both the players and the supporters with a tangible goal that balances ambition with the realities of squad rebuilding. In practical terms, the club’s recruitment strategy this summer has focused on a mix of experienced professionals and promising young talent. While the departures of Stewart, Miller, and Tait represent a loss of proven goal‑scoring and creative ability, the incoming signings are expected to fill those gaps with fresh energy and different skill sets.
McGlynn has spoken about the importance of integrating these newcomers quickly, emphasizing that preseason training sessions and early‑season matches will be crucial for establishing a cohesive unit. Fans can look forward to a season that promises both excitement and uncertainty. The opening fixture against St Mirren will serve as an early test of how well the new squad has gelled under McGlynn’s guidance.
A strong performance could set the tone for the campaign, reinforcing the belief that the club can not only survive but also challenge for a respectable mid‑table finish. Overall, John McGlynn’s message to Falkirk supporters is one of optimism tempered with realism. He acknowledges the difficulty of replicating last season’s success after a major squad overhaul, yet he remains confident that the team can achieve its objectives if the players embrace the challenge and the club continues to support the manager’s vision.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on the Bairns to see whether they can turn a period of transition into another successful chapter in their Premiership history.