Second season always a challenge, says Falkirk's John McGlynn

Falkirk manager John McGlynn believes his team will be granted "more respect" in the upcoming campaign, though he admits that matching last season's achievements will be a difficult task. The Bairns earned a top-six finish in their first top-flight season in 15 years, defying expectations.

McGlynn has been heavily involved in recruitment to fill the void left by top scorers Barney Stewart and Calvin Miller, who were sold to West Bromwich Albion and Heart of Midlothian respectively. "You can't hold them back," McGlynn noted. "If players see what we're doing here, you've got more chance of attracting players."

We can't do it exactly like for like but we have to try and do something that's going to get us competing in that top half of the table where we were for most of last season, which will be a challenge. John McGlynn

The club has already secured experienced duo Craig Sibbald and Scott Tanser, both of whom featured in the recent Premier Sports Cup victory against Edinburgh City. However, McGlynn remains in the market for further additions, specifically targeting young talent from England to provide the necessary spark for the season ahead.