Falkirk moved into third place in the Scottish Premiership following a 5-2 victory over Hearts at Tynecastle, marking their fifth successive win.
This result follows a week in which the club also defeated defending champions Celtic, with the two matches combining for a total of seven goals.
The club’s ascent has been swift; only one month ago, Falkirk sat in 11th place, just one point above the bottom of the table after conceding a goal in added time against Dundee. Following the win in Edinburgh, manager John McGlynn expressed a desire to maintain the momentum while remaining cautious. It's striking a balance without getting carried away and not playing it down too much,
McGlynn told BBC Scotland.
“Winning five games in a row, you’ve obviously got something about you. We want it to continue because we’re enjoying this. But we’re only 13 games in. There’s a long way to go, so we’ve got to keep our feet on the ground and enjoy seeing our team third in the league.”
McGlynn, 64, previously led the team through consecutive promotions to reach the top flight, where they finished sixth last season. The current campaign has seen the squad transform. While some “old guard” members remain, the summer saw a major turnover.
Notable departures included Calvin Miller to Hearts, Dylan Tait to Dundee United, and Barney Stewart, who was sold to West Bromwich Albion for a club record fee. The club also saw the departure of several loan players, including Filip Lissah, Ben Broggio, Henry Cartwright, Kyrell Wilson, Ethan Williams, and Louie Marsh.
McGlynn introduced 17 new players to the roster. Among those who contributed to the win against Hearts were Finley Barbrook, Owen Eames, and Jacob Murrell. Murrell, who earned the SPFL player of the month award for October, netted a double at Tynecastle to bring his total to seven goals, making him a joint-top scorer in the division.
The current squad features a mix of new arrivals and players who have been with the club since its League One days, such as centre-half Liam Henderson, Brad Spencer, and Ethan Ross.
We've got a good team spirit, a togetherness, and a will to work hard for your team-mates,
Henderson said. We now have a ruthlessness up front as well.
The manager is massive to us.
His knowledge, his detail.
He is so detailed in everything he does.
Former Hearts midfielder Michael Stewart praised the club’s recruitment, noting that the team brings in players who specifically fit the tactical requirements. They look at what kind of player fits into the team and when the player arrives, they know what they're getting,
Stewart said.
Former Hibs midfielder Scott Allan also highlighted the importance of 30-year-old midfielder Brad Spencer, describing him as the “heartbeat” of the side. You need a guy like him in there to really set the standards,
Allan said, adding that Spencer provides “real control” in the middle of the pitch.
