Falkirk’s Rapid Rise: How McGlynn Built a Premiership Team on a Limited Budget | Fan-Owned Success Story
Falkirk’s remarkable ascent through the Scottish football leagues has exceeded expectations, culminating in a return to the Premiership under the guidance of manager John McGlynn. The club, uniquely fan-owned, has navigated a challenging path, overcoming financial constraints and a depleted squad to reach the top tier.
“We’re miles ahead,” McGlynn stated recently, reflecting on the team’s progress. “The board reckoned, if we could receive there in five years, to the Premiership, that would be an achievement.” The team surpassed that initial timeline, achieving promotion faster than anticipated.
McGlynn’s journey with Falkirk began in 2022, inheriting a squad he described as “really quite scary” upon arrival. The initial assessment revealed a team in desperate need of rebuilding. He took over a team of 14 players, with 13 remaining for the following season, severely limiting his immediate transfer options.
The early stages of McGlynn’s tenure saw Falkirk arrive close to promotion in his first season, followed by what he termed an “invincible record” in the subsequent campaign, ultimately securing their place in the Scottish Championship. Now, just one year later, they find themselves competing in the Premiership, currently sitting sixth in the league as of .
The success hasn’t come easily. Falkirk operates without the substantial financial backing enjoyed by many of its rivals, forcing McGlynn to prioritize shrewd decision-making and maximizing limited resources. “You try to bring the best you can in for the money you’ve got,” he explained. “You maybe don’t have the numbers, but you would concentrate on the quality.”
A key focus during the rebuild was instilling physicality and resilience within the squad. McGlynn identified a need for players who could withstand the demands of the Scottish game. “They needed to be robust, a bit more robust,” he said. Beyond simply acquiring talent, McGlynn emphasized the importance of building a strong team culture and fostering a sense of togetherness.
The manager highlighted the crucial role of the fans in the club’s success. “It’s what is coming in,” he stated. “It takes a whole football club to come together and the fans. So it’s been very much a collective, everyone together. Because if the fans didn’t support us and back us then the finance wouldn’t be there.”
McGlynn’s managerial career extends beyond Falkirk, with previous spells at Raith Rovers (2006-2012 and 2018-2022), Heart of Midlothian (2005 and 2012-2013), and Livingston (2013-2014). His return to management with Raith Rovers in 2018 proved pivotal, providing valuable learnings that he later applied at Falkirk.
Prior to rejoining Raith Rovers, McGlynn spent four years away from management, taking on a backroom role at Celtic in 2015, working under Ronny Deila and later Brendan Rodgers. He described that period as a time when a return to the top flight felt “a million miles away.”
“Everything, absolutely everything,” McGlynn said when reflecting on the significance of winning PFA Scotland Manager of the Year for the second consecutive season. He is the first manager to win the award three times, a testament to his consistent success across multiple clubs.
During his time at Celtic, McGlynn served as a scout and opposition analyst, gaining invaluable insights from Rodgers. “Brendan Rodgers, who I’ve got a really good relationship with and respect him so much, he’s taught me so much,” McGlynn explained. He added that Rodgers had even continued to offer assistance after his departure from Celtic, benefiting the teams he has managed since.
McGlynn’s coaching journey began after a brief senior playing career with Berwick Rangers, followed by spells in junior football with Musselburgh Athletic and Whitehill Welfare. He transitioned into coaching while at Whitehill Welfare, eventually earning a position with Heart of Midlothian in 1996.
Despite his success, McGlynn remains grounded, acknowledging the ongoing challenges facing Falkirk. The club’s fan-owned structure and limited financial resources necessitate a continued focus on shrewd recruitment and a unified approach. As Falkirk navigates its return to the Premiership, McGlynn’s leadership and the unwavering support of the fans will be crucial to sustaining their remarkable rise.