​John McGlynn says Falkirk should expect to receive more respect during the upcoming campaign as he concedes matching last season’s performance will be a significant challenge. The Bairns had just climbed back into the top flight after consecutive promotions and went on to secure a top-six finish in their first season back in the Premiership in 15 years. McGlynn has been actively reshaping the squad to cope with the departures of two key goalscorers, Barney Stewart and Calvin Miller, who both left for West Bromwich Albion and Heart of Midlothian respectively.
You can’t hold them back, McGlynn told BBC Radio Scotland’s Sportsound. If players see what we’re building here, you increase the chances of attracting new talent. There’s still work to do, though—the big football boots to fill are there. We can’t reproduce last season exactly, but we must strive to piece together a squad that can compete in the upper half of the table where we spent most of last season, which will be a real test. The second season in the top flight is always tough.
They’ve punched above their weight, and next season we’ll likely gain a bit more respect, but the players have risen to the challenge. Falkirk opened the season with a swaggering 5-0 victory over Edinburgh City in the Premier Sports Cup, signaling their ambitions. McGlynn highlighted the work done in the transfer market, noting a substantial turnover as the club looks to maintain momentum. Among the summer arrivals are experienced Scottish Premiership regulars Craig Sibbald and Scott Tanser, who both started in the rout of Edinburgh City.
We’re pleased with the additions we’ve made, McGlynn said, underscoring the magnitude of the changes. It’s a big turnover, and like many clubs at the moment we’re still waiting on certain developments. We enjoyed notable success with loan players from England last season, and we’re hopeful that further opportunities will present themselves soon. The World Cup schedule has affected how quickly players are available, as many are kept back by their clubs to train when numbers are tight. That means our recruitment has been more gradual this summer, but we’re determined to get it right.
We’ve still got work to do to make it happen as well this year, and it isn’t easy. We’re seeking the X-factor now—players we can bring up from England who still have a sizable career ahead of them. The aim is to strengthen the squad in key areas and find the blend that allows Falkirk to compete at a high level once again while also nurturing young talents that can rise to the occasion. With the World Cup and related scheduling considerations influencing availability, McGlynn emphasised the need for patience and strategic thinking as Falkirk look to maintain their momentum and push for a sustainable finish in the top half of Scottish football next season.