John McGlynn, the man at the helm of Falkirk, is already looking beyond the immediate challenges of the new Scottish Premiership season, aiming for another top‑six finish even after a summer that saw a massive overhaul of his squad. The Bairns entered the off‑season with a sense of optimism after a commendable comeback to the top flight, but they also faced the loss of several key contributors, most notably their leading scorer, Barney Stewart.
As they prepare to kick off the campaign against St Mirren this Saturday, with the match broadcast live on Sky Sports, McGlynn remains undeterred and is vocal about his ambitions. "If you can do it once, you can do it twice," McGlynn told Sky Sports News, emphasizing that the club’s previous success should serve as a blueprint for the future. He quickly added that replicating that achievement would be a tougher proposition, given the scale of player turnover. "We’ve had a bigger change‑around in personnel than ever before – we lost fifteen players at the end of last season, some of them very influential," he explained.
Among those departing were Barney Stewart, who moved to West Brom, Calvin Miller, who signed for Hearts, and Dylan Tait, who joined Dundee United, as well as a host of loan players who had performed admirably during their stint at Falkirk. Despite the upheaval, McGlynn insists that the club’s ambition remains unchanged. "We want to do the best we possibly can.
Like many clubs, our primary objective is to stay in the league," he said. He reminded listeners of the targets set for the previous season: after securing fifteen points in the opening eleven games, the team maintained that pace across the subsequent two blocks of fixtures, ultimately amassing forty‑five points and landing in a comfortable mid‑table position.
"That’s a benchmark we’ll try to hit again if we can. At this stage, anything is possible," he concluded.
The 64‑year‑old manager has also been the subject of speculation regarding the Scotland national team job, a role that became vacant after Steve Clarke’s resignation following the country’s World Cup exit. While flattered by the attention, McGlynn made it clear that his focus remains squarely on Falkirk’s upcoming season.
"It’s amazing that high‑profile figures in the game are pushing my name for that position," he said, noting that he has had no direct contact from the Scottish FA. "I’m totally committed here, and I’m concentrating on the job at hand.
It’s nice to hear the support, but I’m busy with my current responsibilities." When probed about whether he would consider a national team appointment if approached, McGlynn responded pragmatically: "Obviously the SFA would have to follow the proper procedures, talk to the club, and see where it leads. I’m just focused on what I’m doing right now." His remarks reflect a manager who values loyalty and professionalism, preferring to let his performance with Falkirk speak for itself before entertaining any potential career moves. The upcoming match against St Mirren will be a litmus test for how well McGlynn’s reshaped squad can gel under pressure.
With a significant portion of the roster new to the club, the early fixtures will be crucial for establishing chemistry and confidence. Fans can catch the live action on Sky Sports, and the Scottish Premiership is also available for streaming via NOW, ensuring that supporters have multiple avenues to follow the Bairns’ progress. Beyond the tactical and personnel challenges, McGlynn’s leadership style emphasizes resilience and a growth mindset.
He often cites the club’s ability to bounce back from adversity as a core part of its identity. "We’ve been through a lot, but we’re still here, still fighting," he said. This attitude is expected to permeate the dressing room, encouraging players to embrace the new season as an opportunity to prove themselves and exceed expectations.
In summary, John McGlynn is entering the new Scottish Premiership season with a clear vision: replicate the previous year’s success despite a dramatically altered squad, maintain the club’s top‑six aspirations, and keep his eye on the ultimate goal of league survival. While external speculation about a potential Scotland job circulates, McGlynn remains firmly rooted in his current role, determined to guide Falkirk through a period of transition and emerge stronger on the other side. The forthcoming fixtures, starting with the high‑profile clash against St Mirren, will provide the first real gauge of how effectively the Bairns can adapt and thrive under his stewardship.