Football Season Guide

When Falkirk were relegated in 2019, there was the expectation that they would rapidly return to the Championship, but despite boasting a full-time team, they have thus far failed horribly to live up to their means. Indeed, last season the Bairns missed out on the playoff entirely, going on a dreadful run of form at the end of the season as they lost five of their last six games and won just one of their last eight. Changes were no surprise, then, with Paul Sheerin the man taking charge of the Bairns and a turnover of playing staff that has so far seen 15 players depart and nine arrive. Falkirk can be pleased to have retained the services of Callumn Morrison, who was their top scorer from the wing last season, although he went off the boil towards the end of the campaign, like much of the squad. In truth, much of the squad was expendable otherwise as they failed entirely to live up to expectations. It is expected that Falkirk will attack this season with a new attitude. The big names that they previously boasted have largely been dispensed with. Jaime Wilson is an interesting arrival from Dumbarton, where he had an impressive campaign, adding to a forward line that boasts Anton Dowds and Aidan Keena, two players often started of service last season. The midfield should remain creative this season. Craig McGuffie has arrived from Morton along with colleague Aidan Nesbitt, while the arrival of Seb Ross is one that could quietly be impressive. It is the defensive where there are the biggest question marks. Right-back Ryan Williamson was disappointing for Partick after impressing with Dunfermline, while Leon McCann is a young arrival on the left to rival Paul Dixon. In the heart of the defence, Brad McKay is a strong arrival from Inverness, but more is needed from Ben Hall alongside him. This was an area that was too weak last season. Falkirk should be well supported but equally things could quickly turn sour as this is a frustrated fanbase that has grown used to far better.