In an era dominated by tactical buzzwords and managerial hipsters, John McGlynn stands as a defiantly unfashionable figure. Bespectacled, bald, and eschewing modern jargon, the 64-year-old from Wallyford has quietly engineered one of Scottish football's most impressive turnarounds at Falkirk.
The Unlikely Architect of a Football Revival
McGlynn's speciality has always been identifying potential, building teams on limited budgets, and winning matches—a skillset that once guaranteed a path to the big time. Yet, despite a reputation that commands respect from figures like Brendan Rodgers and Edgaras Jankauskas, opportunities at the highest level have been scarce. His playing pinnacle was Berwick Rangers, and some have wondered if that lack of a stellar career hindered his managerial progress.
His football journey began in the early 90s with Easterhouses Lily Miners Welfare, having worked as a plumber. A coaching role at Hearts' youth setup under Jim Jeffries followed, where his reputation burgeoned after guiding the club to victory over Rangers in the 2000 Youth Cup final. After spells as caretaker and a nine-month permanent stint at Hearts in 2012, he managed Livingston and Raith Rovers, later scouting for Celtic.
The Falkirk Resurrection: From Crisis to Contention
When Falkirk turned to McGlynn in May 2022, the club was at its nadir. Relegated to League One in 2018-19, they had cycled through four managers in three years. Despite a loyal fanbase—3,366 attended the final home game before his arrival—promotion hopes had repeatedly evaporated.
McGlynn's appointment was logical. He had led Raith Rovers out of League One in 2020 and achieved solid Championship finishes. His start at Falkirk, however, was challenging. A first-season play-off humiliation by Airdrie (7-2 on aggregate) suggested the club might be beyond saving.
What followed was a masterclass in rebuilding. In the 2023-24 season, Falkirk romped to the League One title, going invincible and finishing 16 points above Hamilton Accies. They secured back-to-back promotion from the Championship the following year, finishing three points above Livingston.
Sustaining Success in the Premiership
In their first top-flight season since 2009-10, Falkirk have defied expectations. A recent win over St Mirren left them sixth in the Premiership—a position they now occupy three years and eight months after being sixth in League One.
The beauty of McGlynn's achievement lies in its foundation, not its finance. He inherited players like Aidan Nesbitt and Leon McCann, and made astute signings such as Liam Henderson and Finn Yeats. Later additions like Calvin Miller, Dylan Tait, and Ethan Ross bolstered the squad. He unearthed gems like Keenan Adams from Cumbernauld Colts and revitalised Connor Allan after his Rangers release. Experienced heads like Scott Bain and Brian Graham provided crucial balance.
Early defensive concerns were addressed without sacrificing the attacking football that propelled them through the leagues. Now, with Falkirk 16 points clear of the play-off spot and riding a wave of momentum, a fanbase once trapped in a nightmare is dreaming big.
Ahead of a marquee clash with Celtic, McGlynn's Falkirk possess both style and substance. Finally, the unfashionable manager is receiving the recognition his decades of quiet, effective work have long deserved.
