John McGlynn, the man at the helm of Falkirk, is already looking beyond his recent promotion to the Scottish Premiership and setting his sights on another top‑six finish, even though the club has undergone a significant reshuffle over the summer. The Bairns saw several key contributors depart at the close of last season, most notably their leading scorer, Barney Stewart, which has left a noticeable gap in the squad. The new campaign kicks off against St Mirren on Saturday, with the match being broadcast live on Sky Sports.
McGlynn, who is known for his optimistic outlook, reiterated his belief that success can be replicated. "If you can do it once, you can do it twice," he told Sky Sports News, adding that he fully appreciates the added difficulty of achieving a repeat performance in a second season. He highlighted the scale of the personnel changes, noting that Falkirk experienced a "bigger change‑around in players" than ever before. "We lost 15 players at the end of last season, some of them big names," McGlynn explained.
Among those who left were Barney Stewart, who moved to West Brom, Calvin Miller, who joined Hearts, and Dylan Tait, who signed for Dundee United. The departures also included several loan players who had made a positive impact during their short stays. Despite the turnover, McGlynn remains confident that the club can maintain its upward trajectory. "We're always ambitious.
We want to do the best we possibly can," he said. He stressed that the primary objective for any club is to remain in the top flight, a goal that Falkirk achieved comfortably last season. "We targeted 15 points after the first 11 games, and we managed to hit that mark again in the second and third blocks of fixtures, ending the season with 45 points. That put us in a very comfortable position," McGlynn recounted.
Looking ahead, he emphasized that the same target—reaching at least 45 points—will guide the team’s efforts this season, but he also acknowledged that anything is possible in football. "At this stage, anything's possible," he concluded, underscoring his belief that the squad can rise to the challenge despite the loss of several influential players.
Beyond the club’s immediate ambitions, McGlynn has found himself the subject of speculation regarding a potential appointment as Scotland’s head coach. The rumors surfaced after Steve Clarke stepped down following Scotland’s World Cup exit, and many pundits have suggested McGlynn as a possible successor. While flattered by the attention, McGlynn made it clear that his focus remains squarely on the upcoming Premiership season. "It's amazing for such high‑profile people in the game to be pushing my name for that job," the 64‑year‑old former Hearts manager said.
He added that he has had no contact from the Scottish FA and is fully committed to his current role at Falkirk. "I am obviously totally committed here and I've had no contact whatsoever, so I'm very focused on the job," he affirmed, noting that the interest is a form of recognition for his past achievements but does not distract him from his present responsibilities.
When asked whether he would consider a national team role if the SFA approached him, McGlynn replied that any such move would need to follow proper protocol, involving discussions with the club and the governing body. "I'm just focused on what I'm doing right now," he reiterated, emphasizing his dedication to guiding Falkirk through a season that promises to be both challenging and rewarding.
The upcoming match against St Mirren will be a litmus test for McGlynn’s rebuilt squad. With the team having lost a substantial portion of its core, the manager will need to integrate new signings, promote youth prospects, and possibly rely on loan deals to fill the void left by departing stars.
His experience, however, suggests he is well‑equipped to navigate these hurdles. Fans can tune into the Scottish Premiership live on Sky Sports, and for those who prefer streaming, the league is also available on NOW. As the season unfolds, McGlynn’s ambition, tactical acumen, and ability to motivate a refreshed roster will be under close scrutiny.
Whether Falkirk can replicate or even surpass last season’s point tally remains to be seen, but the manager’s confidence and clear objectives provide a solid foundation for a competitive campaign. In summary, John McGlynn is entering his second season in charge with a clear vision: retain top‑flight status, aim for a top‑six finish, and possibly surpass the 45‑point benchmark that secured a comfortable position last year. Despite a summer marked by the departure of key players and a wave of new faces, his optimism and strategic planning suggest that Falkirk could once again surprise opponents and fans alike.
The journey promises excitement, and the upcoming fixtures will reveal whether McGlynn’s belief that "if you can do it once, you can do it twice" holds true for the Bairns.