Football Season Guide

Falkirk have been among the favourites to win promotion from League One in each of the last three seasons but have fallen short on each occasion. Last term, though, was a real reckoning for the club as they finished a miserable sixth in the standings, posting more defeats than wins, despite being a full-time team amongst a league largely made up of part-time sides. The atmosphere around the club was toxic as they saw two managers come and go. Now they have appointed the experienced John McGlynn to take the reins of the club, and there has been an overhaul of the playing staff as Falkirk look to regain a level more befitting of their history. Certainly, few tears will be shed in the stands over any of the players who have departed. As many as nine new faces have joined the first-team squad, with these players typically in their prime years. One of the exceptions is the experienced Stephen McGinn, who should be a strong acquisition in central midfield, while Rangers youths Kai Kennedy and Juan Alegra have been picked up on long-term loan seals. Falkirk have signed players who are exclusively dropping down to play at this level. One of the dangers is that they can become complacent, as seems to have been a problem in recent seasons. They have to ensure this does not happen again. Perhaps their star summer arrival is Coll Donaldson from Ross County, with the 27-year-old expected to shore up the defence. Meanwhile, Liam Henderson performed ably for Arbroath when called upon last season, while striker Gary Oliver arrived from Morton, though his scoring record is not great. Falkirk’s League Cup results have been positive, though they have been rather grinding at times. McGlynn has this side far better organised than in recent seasons, but there is a lack of goal scoring threat in their ranks from what has been evident thus far. Callumn Morrison on the wing looks set to remain a key figure.