FALKIRK have announced a bumper contract extension until 2029 for their management team.
Heading into the final quarter of a season of unprecedented success, the Scottish Championship club have rewarded the gaffer and his assistant with a big show of confidence as they push for the league title.
John McGlynn joined Falkirk in 2022 and could bring them back-to-back promotions[/caption]
McGlynn, left, and assistant Paul Smith have been rewarded with extensions to 2029[/caption]
The Bairns are in pole position to secure the league title under the leadership of John McGlynn and Paul ‘Smudger’ Smith.
The duo – who worked together at Raith Rovers – have been at the helm since the summer of 2022 and secured promotion to the second tier via winning League One in their second season.
Now with 57 points in 27 games, they sit at the top and have as good a chance as ever to make it back-to-back league successes and make their first top-flight appearance since 2010.
Commenting on the extension, McGlynn said: “I’d like to thank the board for putting their faith in myself and Paul to take the club forward, we’re really happy working here.
“Year in, year out, we’ve been trying to make the football side of things better, and I’m delighted with the squad that we’ve got, and really happy working with them.
“We look to continue this improvement and development on the football side. We feel that when we came in to the football club that it was a club that could, if we got it right, head in the right direction.
“There were a lot of positives, like the fans, who have been magnificent with their backing, their large numbers home and away, selling out tickets and hospitality and everything in between.
“We want to keep going. We want to, hopefully, finish this season and go up as champions. We find ourselves in a really good position and I think the entertainment we are producing week in, week out is keeping the fans wanting to come here.
“The future is very bright, and I’m excited to sign this contract.”
The club’s CEO, Jamie Swinney, added: “From the minute John and Paul walked through the door as our management team, they have changed our club.
“They have played a major part in both the rebuild of the club, and in driving standards, creating a high performance culture at Falkirk.
“John and Paul delivered a season like no other, clinching an invincible league title, giving every Bairn memories we will all treasure for life.
“We believe, however, that is only the start of what can be achieved with these guys at the helm. With a quarter of the season to go, they have put the club in a fantastic position, one that very few would have expected before a ball was kicked.
“Perhaps the most pleasing part of the success so far is the exciting and expansive style of football which Falkirk fans enjoy and take great pride in.
“John and Paul have also created a fantastic dressing room, thanks to excellent recruitment and player management, creating a unity and togetherness in the club and in the stands.
“We look forward to the final quarter of the season and supporting John and Paul to achieve both their ambitions and the ambitions of all Bairns.”
Shortly before their lengthy spell in the lower leagues began, Falkirk took part in the early rounds of the inaugural season of the Europa League and made the Scottish Cup final in which they lost to Rangers.
As things stand, Both Ayr United and Livingston sit three points behind McGlynn’s side in a tense three-way battle for automatic promotion – Livi having played a game more than their competitors.
The leaders have lost just four games this season, three of which came from either Scott Brown‘s Ayr or David Martindale‘s Livingston.
Fans of the side have reacted beyond positively to the news of the gaffer’s new contract.
“I’m delighted at this. Best manager in Scottish fitba,” said one on social media, while another added: “European football here we come.”
A third commented: “Genuinely amazed no Premiership clubs have tried to take him,” and another Bairn said: “It’s been great to have some stability and a four-year contract is some statement. Let’s hope the success continues.”
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