Football Season Guide

Falkirk were undoubtedly the surprise package of the Premiership last season as they comfortably finished in the top six and reached the Scottish Cup semi-final. This was achieved while playing an attractive brand of football, singling out manager John McGlynn as one of the managers of the season in the club’s return to the top-flight. Naturally when such a club makes a strong run, they have seen several of their most impressive players depart. Indeed, they have been hurt offensively with the double blow of losing impressive striker top scorer Barney Stewart and key left winger Calvin Miller to West Brom and Hearts respectively. Falkirk also benefitted immensely from raiding the English Premier League for several strong loan signings last season. Naturally, these players have departed the club, with Filip Lissah at right-back and Henry Cartwright in the heart of the field two who will most notably be missed. Such loan signings may yet come towards the end of the transfer market, but Falkirk have primarily focused on recruiting from within the Scottish Premiership so far. Lewis Neilson has made his loan from Hearts permanent in a smart-looking move, while veteran left-back Scott Tanser arrives from St Mirren and fan favourite Craig Sibbald makes his return from Dundee United in a popular move. Sibbald should fit McGlynn’s ball-playing style. Falkirk have sought to reinforce their defence from elsewhere, with Denis Melniks arriving from Latvian football in a left-field move, while Jack McMillan signs from Exeter to challenge to become the regular starter at right-back. The biggest challenge that does not seem to have been addressed is replacing Stewart in attack, who became a talisman in the second half of last term. Young striker Ethan Laidlaw has been recruited from Brentford, but none of the Falkirk existing players scored more than 2 league goals last season, with Ross McIver scoring 3.