Craig Sibbald has been back at Falkirk for a fortnight, having signed a pre-contract in March after stints at Livingston and Dundee United. The 31-year-old midfielder is thrilled to be the homecoming hero, with fans showing love at Tesco making it all worthwhile.
Fifteen Years Since Debut
It is 15 years this month since Sibbald's Falkirk debut, a moment immortalised on the wall of academy graduates between the dressing room and pitch. That youth set-up was shelved before he left in 2018, having racked up more than 270 games, only to be revived last year in a major milestone for the club.
As a local lad, his comeback hasn't gone unnoticed while doing his weekly shop – nor has it in the first-team dressing room. Asked if any of the boys have already pointed him out on the wall, Sibbald laughed and said: "Aye, most of them... saying I had some trim then! I had long hair there, the good old days. All the academy graduates are on that wall and I'm up there... one of the youngest, so I'm happy it's still up there."
Nostalgic Return
"I was 16, so it feels like a different lifetime ago. But it's good memories and hopefully I'll have many more to come. It's been nostalgic being back, it's good to see where it all began again and I had some very good times here," Sibbald added.
He praised the academy's revival: "It's brilliant to see the academy back. That's the way forward. I saw some of the young players in my first week who have all got a good chance. It's reminded me of how I started off and it's good to see that back. Hopefully I can just help them along the way."
Summer Overhaul
Sibbald's signing features among the biggest summer overhaul since John McGlynn and Paul Smith checked in during their League One days. Striker Barney Stewart has been sold for seven figures to West Brom, while winger Calvin Miller, who racked up the most assists by any player in the Premiership last season, has been bought by Hearts. Eight have come in and more are to follow.
Sibbald said: "I'm back at a good age and hopefully I can contribute to success for Falkirk in the years to come. Barney and Calvin were good players for the club, so it's time now for me and other players to step up, do a job and deliver that attacking threat."
Fan Encounters
"The Falkirk fans have always been good to me and I think because I'm the local lad it helps. I have had quite a few encounters. I always go to the Tesco in the retail park so people just saying, 'It's brilliant to have you back'. No shouting from the end of the aisle, just a couple of people coming up to me saying they're excited to have me back. It's a nice touch and nice to hear, so I'm excited for the season to start. Hopefully I can just do my job on the pitch and make them proud again."
He added: "As long as you work hard and you do your best, which I try to do, show the fans you care, that's all they ask for. That's how I'll try to be for them."
Working Under McGlynn
This marks his first time working under McGlynn, having had this past week out in Portugal to get to grips with it more. Sibbald said: "His attention to detail, I'm just excited to go week by week into the season, through pre-season and learn more and more about how he wants to play. I think it'll bring the best out of me. It's intense training but for a good reason – it'll make you better in the long run. I've been enjoying it – a lot of meetings, so you're learning all the time. I'm just happy to get the chance to play under him."
Turning Agent
Sibbald even turned agent after getting his move over the line as former Livi team-mate Jack McMillan followed him in the door from Exeter City. Sibbald laughed and said: "I was hoping I'd never see him again! Nah, I'm kidding on. I was trying to convince him. I know Jack's ability so I thought he'd be a good one to play for Falkirk. I'm happy he's here and it's good to see him every day again. We'll hopefully link up on game days."
He concluded: "It just makes it that little bit easier, someone you're close with. Everyone's been brand new. There's great banter around the changing room and they've made it really easy to settle in. I'm just looking to get the games started now."
