John McGlynn, the man at the helm of Falkirk, is refusing to let a turbulent off‑season dampen his aspirations for the club. After guiding the Bairns back to the Scottish Premiership in impressive fashion, the 64‑year‑old manager has publicly declared his intention to chase another top‑six finish, even though the squad has undergone a significant reshuffle over the summer. The team’s roster has changed dramatically since the end of last season.
Falkirk saw a number of its most influential players depart, most notably their leading goal‑scorer Barney Stewart, who secured a move to West Bromwich Albion. In addition, midfielder Calvin Miller swapped the Bairns for a contract at Hearts, while promising youngster Dylan Tait headed north to join Dundee United. The exodus didn’t stop there; a host of loan players who had performed admirably for Falkirk also returned to their parent clubs, leaving a noticeable void in the squad’s depth and experience. McGlynn addressed these challenges ahead of the opening fixture against St Mirren, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
"If you can do it once, you can do it twice," he told Sky Sports News, underscoring his belief that the club can replicate the success of the previous campaign. He was quick to acknowledge, however, that the second season in the top flight is likely to be more demanding.
"The second season is always going to be probably more difficult," he said, adding that this year’s turnover in personnel is the biggest the club has ever experienced. "We lost 15 players at the end of last season, some big players," McGlynn noted, highlighting the scale of the transition.
Despite the upheaval, McGlynn remains resolutely optimistic. "We’re always ambitious. We want to do the best we possibly can," he affirmed.
He emphasized that, like any club, Falkirk’s primary objective is to secure its place in the Premiership. "First and foremost, you’ve got to stay in the league," he said, recalling the club’s strategic approach last season.
Early in that campaign, the Bairns set a modest target of 15 points after the first 11 games. By maintaining that pace through the subsequent two blocks of fixtures, they amassed 45 points, a tally that placed them comfortably above the relegation zone and gave them breathing room to push for higher positions.
McGlynn intends to use that same methodical, point‑by‑point strategy this season. "That’s a target we’ll be trying to achieve if possible. At this stage, anything’s possible," he remarked, indicating that while the goalposts have shifted, the underlying philosophy remains unchanged. The manager’s confidence is not merely wishful thinking; it is grounded in the belief that the club’s infrastructure, scouting network, and youth development pathways can supply the quality needed to compete.
Beyond the immediate footballing concerns, McGlynn has found himself the subject of speculation regarding the Scotland national team job. Since Steve Clarke’s resignation following Scotland’s World Cup disappointment, several high‑profile figures within the Scottish game have floated McGlynn’s name as a potential successor. While the attention is flattering, the Falkirk boss insists his focus remains squarely on the club’s upcoming season.
"It’s amazing for such high‑profile people in the game to be pushing my name for that job," he said, acknowledging the support but also drawing a clear line between speculation and his current responsibilities. He emphasized that he has had no contact from the Scottish Football Association and that any future discussion would need to follow the proper procedural channels, including consultation with Falkirk’s board. "I’m obviously totally committed here and I’ve had no contact whatsoever, so I’m very focused on the job," McGlynn explained.
He added that the interest from the SFA is a form of recognition for his work, but it does not distract him from the tasks at hand. "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," he concluded. Looking ahead, McGlynn’s challenge will be to blend the new arrivals with the existing core, create a cohesive tactical identity, and navigate the inevitable growing pains that accompany a substantial squad turnover.
The manager hinted that the recruitment drive has already yielded promising talent, and he is eager to see how these players adapt to the rigors of top‑flight football. He also stressed the importance of maintaining morale and a winning mentality, even when faced with early setbacks. Falkirk’s supporters, who have endured a roller‑coaster of emotions over the past two years, will be hoping that McGlynn’s optimism translates into results on the pitch.
The upcoming clash with St Mirren will serve as an early litmus test for the restructured side. A strong performance could set the tone for a season where the Bairns aim not only to survive but to challenge for a respectable league position. In summary, John McGlynn is entering the new Scottish Premiership campaign with a clear vision: replicate the previous season’s success, overcome the loss of key players, and keep the club’s ambitions alive.
While external rumors about a potential national team appointment swirl, his unwavering focus remains on guiding Falkirk through a season of transition and, ideally, securing another top‑six finish.