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Falkirk Football Club is a Scottish professional association football club based in the town of Falkirk. The club was founded in 1876[2] and competes in the Scottish Premiership, the top tier of Scottish football, as a member of the Scottish Professional Football League. The club was elected to the Second Division of the Scottish Football League in 1902–03, was promoted to the First Division after two seasons and achieved its highest league position in the early 1900s when it was runner-up to Celtic in 1907–08 and 1909–10. The football club was registered as a Limited Liability Company in April 1905 – Falkirk Football & Athletic Club Ltd.

Key Information

Falkirk won the Scottish Cup for the first time in 1913. After 1945, Falkirk were promoted and demoted between the Premier and First Divisions seven times until 1995–96, and during the 1970s spent three seasons in the Second Division. In 2005, Falkirk were promoted to the Scottish Premier League (SPL). Falkirk won the Scottish Cup again in 1957 and were runners-up in the competition in 1997, 2009 and 2015. As a result of their performance in the 2009 Scottish Cup, the club qualified for the inaugural season of the UEFA Europa League in 2009–10. Falkirk have won the second tier of Scottish football a record eight times. They have also won the Scottish Challenge Cup more than any other club, winning it for the fourth time in 2012.

In their early years, Falkirk played at three venues: Hope Street, Randyford Park and Blinkbonny Park. Between 1885 and 2003, the club was based at Brockville Park, built on the former Hope Street ground. After the creation of the SPL in 1998, its strict stadium criteria – to which Brockville Park did not conform – was enforced, and the club was denied promotion on three occasions. The club's present home ground since 2004 is the Falkirk Stadium, a 7,937 all-seater stadium in the Westfield area of Falkirk.[1]

History

[edit]
See also: List of Falkirk F.C. seasons

Club formation and early years

[edit]

The club's date of formation is uncertain.[3] Although some accounts point to the year 1876, others claim it was formed in 1877.[4] However, the former is the date used by the club and its fans.[5] In 1878, the club joined the Scottish Football Association, and became eligible to compete in the Scottish Cup, a knockout tournament which became the country's main association football cup competition. The club reached the second round in the first year that it competed.[6] In the first few years after it was formed, Falkirk played mostly friendly games. They played their home matches at three different grounds during this period; Hope Street, Randyford Park and Blinkbonny Park. It left the latter in 1884 and moved to Brockville Park, which remained the club's home ground for 118 years. The Stirlingshire Football Association was founded in 1883, which invited clubs from the Stirlingshire region to join. It resulted in the establishment of a new tournament, the Stirlingshire Cup, a competition open exclusively to the teams from the region, which Falkirk won in its inaugural season.[7][8] The club's nickname is "The Bairns",[9] a Scots word meaning sons or daughters, which is given to natives of the town of Falkirk.[10] This is reflected in the Falkirk Burgh motto: "Better meddle wi' the de'il than the Bairns o' Fa'kirk".[11]

Election to the Football League

[edit]

After playing mostly regional matches, friendly games and the nationwide Scottish Cup tournament for the majority of its existence, the club was elected to the bottom tier of the Scottish Football League in 1902–03, a national sports league consisting of Scotland's top football clubs. At the time, the league consisted of two tiers, the First and Second Divisions. Falkirk was promoted to the top division with a second-place finish behind Clyde after two seasons. Despite the club's success, several months beforehand a proposal to merge with local rivals East Stirlingshire was raised, which was narrowly rejected in a vote.[12] In 1907–08, Falkirk's third season in the top flight, the club finished the season in second place, its highest league position to date, and repeated this in the 1909–10 season.[12] On both occasions it finished behind champions Celtic despite being the top goal scorers in the league, becoming the first Scottish club to break the 100 goals barrier in a single season.[12] In 1913, the club won the Scottish Cup for the first time, defeating Raith Rovers in the final 2–0.

In 1922, the club broke the world record transfer fee, paying £5000 for the transfer of striker Syd Puddefoot from English club West Ham United.[13][14] The following year, the club played against the Scottish Football League XI to raise funds for those affected by the Redding mine disaster.[15][16]

Falkirk spent 30 consecutive seasons in their first spell in the top flight of Scottish football, before being relegated in 1934–35 after finishing 20th at the bottom of the league.[17] Despite this, the club was promoted to the top flight after one season, as champions of the 1935–36 Second Division, amassing a club record of 132 league goals in the process. Falkirk remained in the top flight until the outbreak of World War II in 1939, when the league was suspended.

Post-war promotion and demotion

[edit]

After the war ended in 1945, the Scottish Football League resumed and Falkirk regained its place in the First Division for the 1946–47 season. In 1947, a new competition, the Scottish League Cup, was inaugurated. In the 1947–48 season, Falkirk reached the final, and lost 4–1 to East Fife in the replayed final after an initial 0–0 draw.

The club competed in the final of the Scottish Cup in 1957. They defeated Kilmarnock in a replay. This was their first success in the tournament since winning it 44 years earlier. In June 1958 Alex Parker and Eddie O'Hara from the cup winning side were bought by Everton for a combined fee or £18,000.[18] John White was signed two months later from Alloa Athletic with £3,300 of that money.[19]

In the years to follow, relegation and promotion between the first and second tiers occurred seven times until the 1995–96 season. The club spent eight consecutive seasons at a time in either division. As a result, Falkirk has won or finished runners-up in the second tier of Scottish football a record 14 times, the majority occurring in this period. The club also spent three seasons in the late 1970s in the newly created third tier, the lowest tier it has competed in. In 1977–78 the club finished in its lowest ranking to date, ending the season in the equivalent of 29th in Scotland following a 5th-place finish in the new Second Division.[20] In the 1996–97 season, the club reached the final of the Scottish Cup for the third time, and Falkirk became the seventh club in 106 years to reach the final whilst competing outside the top league of Scottish football. Falkirk's opponents were Kilmarnock, a repeat of the 1957 final,[21] but the club could not match its 1957 success and lost 1–0.[22]

Scottish Premier League

[edit]

The Scottish Premier League (SPL) was founded in 1998 as the new top flight of Scottish football. The new league and its rules denied Falkirk the chance to be promoted into it on three occasions as a consequence of its formation. When the SPL was created from the old Premier Division, a play-off match that was held between the team ranked ninth in the Premier Division and the team ranked second in the First Division was abolished during the 1997–98 season. Falkirk, ranked second in the First Division, was thus denied a play-off with Motherwell. The SPL's criterion that clubs required a 10,000 capacity all-seater stadium in order to compete in the new league, which Falkirk's Brockville Park did not comply with, was introduced. When the SPL was due to expand to 12 teams at the end of the 1999–2000 season, Aberdeen, which finished bottom of the SPL, would have competed in a three-way play-off against the teams that finished second and third in the First Division, and two of these three clubs would gain SPL status for the next season. Brockville Park was still below the SPL criterion, and Falkirk applied to ground-share Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, but the proposal was rejected. The play-off was abandoned, Dunfermline Athletic was automatically promoted and Aberdeen retained its status in the top flight.

Historic chart of table positions of Falkirk in the League.

Following four successive top three finishes in the First Division since 1997–98, the club's fortunes changed dramatically and it finished the season in ninth position, which would have qualified the club to be relegated to the third tier. However, it was spared relegation by the liquidation of fellow First Division club Airdrieonians on the last day of the season.[23] The following season, Falkirk was again denied promotion to the SPL despite finishing top of the First Division. The club submitted another application to ground-share, this time at New Broomfield – an SPL compliant stadium and the home of Airdrie United – but was rejected in a vote by SPL chairmen. Motherwell was thus spared relegation from the First Division.[24] In order to meet the criterion, Falkirk started building a new stadium and left Brockville Park.

During the 2004–05 season, the SPL stadium criterion was reduced to 6,000, which the club's new Falkirk Stadium met. The club won the First Division that season, winning 1–0 to Ross County, and was promoted to the SPL. After three seasons in the SPL, including two seventh-place finishes, the club qualified for the inaugural season of the UEFA Europa League, the first time the club qualified for a European competition. The same year, Falkirk was beaten by Rangers in the final of the Scottish Cup.[25] Despite its cup success, Falkirk finished in 10th place in the league and avoided relegation with a 1–0 win against Inverness Caledonian Thistle. The following season, the club competed in the Europa League but was relegated from the SPL to the First Division after being held to a 0–0 draw against Kilmarnock on the final day of the 2009–10 season.[25]

Scottish First Division/Scottish Championship

[edit]

Following its return to the First Division, Falkirk finished the 2010–11 and 2011–12 seasons in third position. As members of the Scottish Football League, the club was eligible to compete in the Scottish Challenge Cup, which it won 1-0 against Hamilton Academical in 2012 to win the cup for a record fourth time. In the same year Falkirk reached the semi-finals of the League Cup, but lost to Celtic. The club had defeated the reigning SPL champions Rangers 3–2 in the third round,[26] and also defeated another top flight club Dundee United on penalties in the quarter-finals.[27]

In 2012–13 Falkirk finished a distant third in the league, 25 points behind champions Partick Thistle, but had a great run in the Scottish Cup, beating local rivals Stenhousemuir as well as Hamilton Academical en route to the semi-final against Hibernian at Hampden Park. Falkirk, under the management of Gary Holt for the first time, took a 3–0 half time lead, though Hibernian made a comeback to confirm their place in the final with a 4–3 win (AET). Gary Holt left the managers post in June 2014 to join Norwich on their coaching team. He was replaced by Peter Houston.[28] In the 2013–14 season Falkirk finished third in the Scottish Championship, narrowly missing out on the title by 3 points having still been in with a chance on the final day of the season. They qualified for the Premiership play-off, where they defeated Queen of the South 4–3 on aggregate (AET) in the quarter-final, before losing to Hamilton Academical 2–1 on aggregate in the semis.[29]

In 2014–15, Falkirk missed out on the play-off places, finishing in 5th place in the championship, Falkirk went one better in the Scottish Cup than two years previously, reaching the final, avenging their loss to Hibernian in the semi-finals before being defeated by Inverness 2–1 in the final. In 2015–16 Falkirk finished second in the Championship and qualified for the promotion play-offs. They defeated Hibernian 5–4 on aggregate in the semi-final[30] before facing Kilmarnock. A 1–0 home win in the first leg put Falkirk on the verge of a return to top flight football. However, Kilmarnock won 4–0 in the second leg to retain their place in the Scottish Premiership 4–1 on aggregate.[31]

The following season, Falkirk again finished second in the league and qualified for the play-offs. They went out to Dundee United 4–3 on aggregate in the semi-finals.[32] Falkirk started the 2017–18 season very badly and the club found themselves in danger of relegation to League One. Manager Peter Houston was sacked in September 2017 following a 2–0 home loss to Livingston, which left the club second bottom of the league.[33] Paul Hartley replaced him as manager.[34] Hartley only won one of his first nine league games, and the club still sat in second bottom, 8 points from guaranteed safety at Christmas.[35] A run of three wins in five games caused Falkirk to draw level on points with third bottom Dumbarton and eventually pull away to finish eighth.[36]

Scottish League One

[edit]

Falkirk had a disastrous 2018–19 season which saw the club relegated on the final day, despite running out 3–2 winners against the Champions Ross County. This led to the club's second spell in the Scottish third tier. The 2019–20 season was declared early after 28 games played, leaving Falkirk in second place, 1 point behind Raith Rovers.[37]

The 2020–21 season was another to forget for Falkirk fans. After starting the season on form and seeing themselves clear at the top of the table, a collapse in the second half of the season following a mid-season break due to the COVID-19 pandemic saw Falkirk fall to 5th in League One after a 2–0 defeat to Airdrieonians on the final day cost them a spot in the play-offs.[38]

In the 2022–23 season, they finished second, with Dunfermline Athletic winning the league. The Bairns entered the play-offs against Airdrieonians, only to suffer a 7–2 aggregate loss, losing 6–2 in the first leg and 1–0 in the return.[39]

On 30 March 2024, Falkirk were crowned League One champions without kicking a ball after Hamilton failed to win at home to Queen of the South. On 4 May 2024, Falkirk completed the league season undefeated with a record in the 36-game League One season of won 27, drew 9 and lost zero, achieving only the seventh unbeaten league season across the entire history of Scottish football.[40]

Rise up the leagues

[edit]

Falkirk's unbeaten run finally came to an end on 28 September 2024 when they were beaten 1–0 by Raith Rovers at Stark's Park.[41]


2024–2025 Scottish Championship

Having gone invincible in the 23–24 Scottish League One campaign, Falkirk returned to Scottish Championship action by beating Queens Park 2–1 at the Falkirk Stadium in the season curtain-raiser.

Following the departure of winger Callumn Morrison to Linfield for an undisclosed fee, Falkirk signed Scott Arfield from Bolton Wanderers in February of 2025. Arfield had previously played for the club from 2007–2010. Falkirk agreed to un-retire the squad number 37, which Arfield chooses to wear in memory of his friend and former Falkirk teammate Craig Gowans. Arfield scored a hat-trick on his second debut in a 5–2 home win over Partick Thistle on 8 February 2025.

A strong campaign saw Falkirk create a sizeable gap over fellow league contenders Livingston, however a dip in form towards the tail-end of the season meant that Falkirk would go into their final league game level on points with Livingston, but with a far superior goal difference. Falkirk beat Hamilton Academical 3–1 on 2 May 2025 to clinch back-to-back league titles, ensuring a return to the top flight of Scottish football for the first time in 15 years.

Colours and badge

[edit]
The first instance of the navy blue and white strip from 1882

Falkirk's traditional colours are navy blue and white, which the team first wore during the 1882 season. However, the club's first strip, thin blue and white horizontal hoops on the jersey and socks, was worn between 1876 and 1880. This was replaced with a blue jersey and white shorts, which has featured predominantly since. Touches of red were introduced to the strip in the late 1930s – mostly on the socks – was worn until the early 1960s, re-introduced in the mid-1970s and has since been featured in the team's kit. For the 2017–18 season the kit consisted of a navy blue jersey, white shorts and navy socks.[42][43]

Falkirk's current crest is a stylised version of the Falkirk Steeple, a dominant landmark of the town. During the 2007–08 season the club used a crest – known as "The Highlander" – that was worn during the club's 1957 Scottish Cup win as a 50th anniversary tribute to the players. Kit manufacturer Umbro supplied the club's kit for the 1977–78 season. Other kits have been supplied by Bukta, Patrick and Le Coq Sportif. The current supplier is O'Neill's and the club's shirt sponsor is Crunchy Carrots. Recent sponsors include Central Demolition, Budweiser Budvar, John R Weir Mercedes Group and Beazer Homes.

Stadiums

[edit]
Further information: Falkirk Stadium

In the club's early years, Falkirk played its home games at three different sites: Hope Street, Randyford Park and Blinkbonny Park. The first pitch used by the club was on Hope Street, the location that would become Brockville Park in 1884. The first match at Hope Street was against Grasshoppers from Bonnybridge.[44] After one season, Falkirk moved to Randyford Park, the home of East Stirlingshire Cricket Club during the summer months, in 1878 where the club played its first competitive match, which it won against Campsie Glen of Lennoxtown in the Scottish Cup.[45] The ground was located near Forth Valley College, several hundred yards west of the present Falkirk Stadium. The club played at Blinkbonny Park between 1881 and 1883.[46]

A defunct turnstile on paving outside a supermarket
An old turnstile from Brockville

Between 1885 and 2003, Falkirk was based at Brockville Park, which was located a quarter of a mile (0.4 km) from the town centre of Falkirk.[47] Brockville Park was largely terraced and had a capacity of between 7,500 and 8,000 spectators in its later years. On 21 February 1953, Falkirk's largest home attendance was recorded at the ground when 23,100 spectators watched the club play against Celtic in the third round of the Scottish Cup.[43][48]

The front façade of a stadium building
The Falkirk Stadium has been Falkirk's home since 2004.

When the SPL was created in 1998, Brockville Park fell short of the SPL's stadium criteria, mainly because of the terraced stands. As a result, the club was denied entry to the league, despite winning the First Division or qualifying for a promotion play-off, on three occasions. Falkirk remained at the stadium until the last day of the 2002–03 football season, and in late 2003 Brockville was demolished and the site sold to supermarket chain Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc.[49] To commemorate the club's time at the stadium, the supermarket displays Falkirk F.C. memorabilia, including a turnstile.[50] For the 2003–04 season, Falkirk entered an agreement with Stenhousemuir to ground-share Ochilview Park stadium for one season while the club's new stadium was under construction.

Since the beginning of the 2004–05 season, the club has been based at Falkirk Stadium, an 7,937 capacity all-seater stadium built on the eastern outskirts of Falkirk.[43] The stadium was opened in July 2004 with a friendly match against Dundee.[43][51] When it opened, only the 4,200 capacity west stand was completed. The 2,000 capacity north stand was constructed during the opening season and was completed in May 2005, taking the stadium above the SPL's reduced 6,000 seating criterion.[51] Falkirk became champions of the First Division that season and was promoted to the SPL. The stadium has since been further expanded; the south stand[52] officially opened in a match against Royal Antwerp of Belgium in August 2009.[53]

Supporters and rivalries

[edit]
See also: East Stirlingshire F.C.–Falkirk F.C. rivalry

Falkirk's strongest recent rivalry is contested with Dunfermline Athletic. Dunfermline and Falkirk are roughly 13 miles apart, separated by the River Forth. Both clubs are a similar size and have regularly competed at the same level in the SPL and First Division but the origin of the rivalry is unclear, as former Falkirk manager John Hughes said in an interview in 2005.[54] The two clubs have played important promotion and relegation encounters against each other over the past thirty years which has only increased the animosity between the two sets of fans.[55]

In 2009 the Falkirk Herald recalled Super Tuesday: "More than 20 years ago a previously postponed league fixture took place at Brockville. The then mighty Dunfermline had come to town expecting victory as they looked to continue their push for promotion from the B&Q First Division. But, for over half of the 9200 supporters that packed the terraces on 7 March 1989, little did they know they would witness a match which would eventually become part of Falkirk folklore. Goals from Derek McWilliams, Paul Rutherford, Sammy McGivern and Stuart Burgess without reply brought the Pars back down to earth with an almighty bang."[56]

A significant match between Falkirk and Dunfermline took place in April 2009, when they met at the semi-final stage of the 2008–09 Scottish Cup at Hampden Park; the Bairns won 2–0 in front of over 17,000 fans to progress to the final.[57]

The club's traditional rival was East Stirlingshire, a club that was also based in Falkirk. The two teams regularly competed against each other in their early existences in the Stirlingshire Cup, as well as in league football following Falkirk's election to the Scottish Football League in 1902–03, two seasons after East Stirlingshire. The last time the clubs played each other in a competitive league fixture was in April 1982, which East Stirlingshire won 3–0, when both clubs were in the First Division.[58] Following East Stirlingshire's relegation that season, the two clubs have not competed in the same league; Falkirk predominantly in the First Division and East Stirlingshire in the Third Division. In 1999–00 the clubs were drawn against each other in the second round of the Scottish League Cup, which Falkirk won 2–0 after extra time was played, the last competitive fixture between the clubs excluding the Stirlingshire Cup.[58]

Current squad

[edit]

First team

[edit]
As of 30 September 2025[59]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK  SCO Nicky Hogarth
2 DF  SCO Keelan Adams
3 DF  SCO Leon McCann
4 DF  SCO Tom Lang
5 DF  SCO Liam Henderson
6 DF  SCO Coll Donaldson (captain)
7 FW  SCO Brian Graham
8 MF  SCO Brad Spencer
9 FW  SCO Ross MacIver
10 MF  SCO Aidan Nesbitt
11 FW  GHA Alfredo Agyeman
12 GK  SCO Jamie Sneddon
14 MF  SCO Finn Yeats
15 DF  SCO Lewis Neilson (on loan from Hearts)
17 MF  ENG Henry Cartwright (on loan from Leicester City)
No. Pos. Nation Player
18 FW  SCO Gary Oliver
19 GK  SCO Scott Bain
20 MF  SCO Connor Allan
21 MF  SCO Dylan Tait
22 FW  ENG Kyrell Wilson (on loan from Swansea City)
23 MF  SCO Ethan Ross
24 FW  ENG Ethan Williams (on loan from Manchester United)
25 DF  ENG Ryan Edwards
28 DF  ENG Filip Lissah (on loan from Swansea City)
29 MF  SCO Calvin Miller
35 GK  SCO Joe Hastings
36 FW  SCO Kai Brown
37 MF  CAN Scott Arfield
42 DF  ENG Sam Hart (on loan from Port Vale)
47 FW  BEL Trey Samuel-Ogunsuyi (on loan from Sunderland)

On loan

[edit]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
16 FW  ENG Barney Stewart (on loan at Dunfermline Athletic)
26 DF  SCO Sean Mackie (on loan at Ross County)
32 MF  SCO Rhys Walker (on loan at Cowdenbeath)
No. Pos. Nation Player
33 MF  SCO Flynn McCafferty (on loan at East Stirlingshire)
34 MF  SCO Caelan McCrone (on loan at Berwick Rangers)

Club staff

[edit]
Position[60] Name
Manager John McGlynn
Assistant manager Paul Smith
First team coach Stephen McGinn
Goalkeeping coach Robbie Thomson
Chief scout Allan Fraser
Head of youth development Tony Begg
Head of physical performance Blair Doughty
Physiotherapist Cammy McAndrew
Sports scientist Lewis Collison
Head of analysis Matthew Rowan
Performance analyst Andy Tannahill
Kitmen Chris McGill
Jack Cunningham

Managers

[edit]
Further information: List of Falkirk F.C. managers

The club's first manager was Willie Nicol, who was appointed in 1905, before which all manager appointments were assigned to the club secretary. Nicol was first appointed club secretary in 1900, then secretary/manager and finally manager. Nicol is the longest serving manager in Falkirk's history. Alex Totten, manager from 1996 to 2002 who led the side to the 1997 Scottish Cup final, was named the clubs lifetime ambassador ahead of his retirement from football in 2021.

This list does not include caretaker managers or those who managed in a temporary capacity.

Only competitive matches are counted

Picture Name Nationality From To Matches Won Drawn Lost Win%[61] Honours Notes
Willie Nicol  Scotland July 1905 February 1924 732 285 187 260 038.93 1 Scottish Cup, 2 Division One runners-up, 1 Division Two runners-up [62]
David Reid  Scotland February 1924 October 1927 155 61 37 57 039.35 – [63]
John Richardson  Scotland November 1927 May 1932 197 75 35 87 038.07 – [64]
Willie Orr  Scotland August 1932 March 1935 115 42 17 56 036.52 – [65]
Tully Craig  Scotland April 1935 May 1950 577 262 112 203 045.41 1 Division Two championship, 1 Scottish League Cup runners-up [66]
Bob Shankly  Scotland August 1950 December 1956 257 88 50 119 034.24 1 Division Two runners-up [67]
Reg Smith  England January 1957 May 1959 104 38 23 43 036.54 1 Scottish Cup [68]
Tommy Younger  Scotland August 1959 March 1960 39 15 10 14 038.46 – [69]
Alex McCrae  Scotland April 1960 April 1965 216 77 36 103 035.65 1 Division Two runners-up [70]
Sammy Kean  Scotland July 1965 December 1966 61 21 7 33 034.43 – [71]
John Prentice  Scotland December 1966 September 1968 74 18 19 37 024.32 – [72]
Willie Cunningham  Northern Ireland October 1968 April 1973 207 80 47 80 038.65 1 Division Two championship [73]
John Prentice  Scotland August 1973 August 1975 95 40 18 37 042.11 1 Division Two championship [74]
George Miller  Scotland September 1975 March 1977 64 19 12 33 029.69 – [75]
Billy Little  Scotland April 1977 May 1979 91 36 31 24 039.56 – [76]
John Hagart  Scotland August 1979 November 1982 152 51 40 61 033.55 1 Second Division championship [77]
Alex Totten  Scotland November 1982 November 1983 41 20 7 14 048.78 – [78]
Gregor Abel  Scotland November 1982 November 1983 11 3 1 7 027.27 – [79]
Billy Lamont  Scotland February 1984 February 1987 131 48 30 53 036.64 1 First Division runners-up [80]
Dave Clarke  Scotland February 1987 August 1988 65 12 18 35 018.46 – [81]
Jim Duffy  Scotland September 1988 October 1989 53 27 11 15 050.94 1 First Division runners-up [82]
Billy Lamont  Scotland November 1989 April 1990 21 9 8 4 042.86 – [83]
Jim Jefferies  Scotland August 1990 August 1995 237 98 61 78 041.35 2 First Division championships, 1 Scottish Challenge Cup [84]
John Lambie  Scotland August 1995 March 1996 32 7 5 20 021.88 – [85]
Eamonn Bannon  Scotland May 1996 December 1996 20 9 3 8 045.00 – [86]
Alex Totten  Scotland December 1996 April 2002 240 114 53 73 047.50 1 Scottish Cup runners-up, 1 Scottish Challenge Cup, 2 First Division runners-up [87]
Ian McCall  Scotland May 2002 January 2003 27 18 6 3 066.67 – [88]
Owen Coyle and
John Hughes 		 Ireland
 Scotland 		January 2003 May 2003 19 12 3 4 063.16 1 First Division championship [89]
John Hughes  Scotland May 2003 June 2009 263 105 57 101 039.92 1 First Division championship, 1 Scottish Challenge Cup, 1 Scottish Cup runners-up [90]
Eddie May  Scotland June 2009 February 2010 27 4 8 15 014.81 – [91]
Steven Pressley  Scotland February 2010 March 2013 105 44 28 33 041.90 1 Scottish Challenge Cup [92]
Gary Holt  Scotland April 2013 June 2014 53 26 11 16 049.06 – [93]
Peter Houston  Scotland June 2014 September 2017 153 71 42 40 046.41 – [94]
Paul Hartley  Scotland October 2017 August 2018 41 17 8 16 041.46 – [95]
Ray McKinnon  Scotland August 2018 November 2019 55 17 18 20 030.91 – [96]
David McCracken & Lee Miller  Scotland November 2019 April 2021 43 23 10 10 053.49 – [97]
Paul Sheerin  Scotland May 2021 December 2021 23 8 4 11 034.78 – [98]
Martin Rennie  Scotland December 2021 May 2022 20 6 4 10 030.00 – [99]

^1. Win% is rounded to two decimal places.

Honours

[edit]

League

Cup

†The 2019–20 Scottish League One season was declared early after 28 games played due to the COVID-19 outbreak.[37]

Club records

[edit]

Notable players

[edit]
For a list of every Falkirk player with 100 or more league appearances, see List of Falkirk F.C. players. For all Falkirk players with a Wikipedia article, see Category:Falkirk F.C. players.

European record

[edit]

Since the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) was formed in 1960, Falkirk has qualified for a UEFA club competition on one occasion.[107] In 2009, Falkirk reached the final of the Scottish Cup, which it lost to Rangers. The winner of the Scottish Cup would normally qualify for the UEFA Europa League, but because Rangers had already qualified for the UEFA Champions League through their league ranking in the SPL, the place was passed to Falkirk as runners-up. Falkirk was eliminated in the second qualifying round by FC Vaduz of Liechtenstein in a two-legged tie.[108] The club's only European goal was scored by Ryan Flynn in the 1–0 first leg home victory against FC Vaduz.

Season Competition Round Opponent Home Away Aggregate
2009–10 UEFA Europa League Second qualifying round Liechtenstein FC Vaduz 1–0 0–2 1–2 (a.e.t.)

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Falkirk F.C.

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from Grokipedia
Falkirk Football Club, commonly known as Falkirk F.C. or The Bairns, is a football club based in , central . Founded in 1876, it is one of Scotland's oldest clubs and currently competes in the , the top division of the (SPFL). The club plays its home matches at , an all-seater venue opened in 2004 with a capacity of 7,937. Falkirk joined the in the 1902–03 season and was incorporated as Falkirk Football and Athletic Club Limited in 1905. The club has a storied history marked by significant achievements, including two victories (1913 and 1957), the first under long-serving manager William 'Daddy' Nicol. It holds the record for most wins with four titles (1993–94, 1997–98, 2002–03, and 2011–12), alongside eight second-tier league championships and two third-tier titles. Notable milestones include finishing as Scottish League runners-up in 1907–08 and 1909–10, and setting the world transfer record in 1922 by signing Syd Puddefoot from United for £5,000. In recent years, Falkirk experienced a resurgence under manager John McGlynn, winning the League One title in 2023–24 without a single defeat—the first "invincibles" in that division's history—and securing the in 2024–25 for back-to-back promotions, marking their return to the Premiership after a 15-year absence. The club's nickname, "The Bairns" (Scots for "the children"), derives from the historic Falkirk burgh motto, reflecting its deep community ties. Despite periods of financial challenges and relegations, including administration in 1998, Falkirk remains a prominent force in Scottish football with a dedicated fanbase.

History

Formation and early years

Falkirk Football Club was founded in in the industrial town of , , emerging as an amateur outfit rooted in the local community. Although historical records present some ambiguity, with evidence from the club's 1902 and early match reports supporting a 1877 origin, the club officially recognizes as its establishment year, a date reinforced by longstanding memorabilia and local histories. The formation reflected the growing popularity of in 's , where the sport provided recreation for workers in the region's iron foundries and engineering sectors, fostering strong ties to Falkirk's industrial heritage. In its initial years, the club operated without significant name changes, simply known as , and maintained amateur status while competing in friendly matches and regional qualifiers. The first recorded game occurred on December 8, 1877, resulting in a 0-5 defeat to Kelvinbank in an exhibition match, followed by a 0-7 loss to Grasshoppers on March 9, 1878, in what is often cited as the club's inaugural competitive friendly. Early fixtures emphasized local rivalries and were played under rudimentary rules, with the game resembling a blend of and rugby due to inconsistent adherence to standardized laws in the nascent Scottish scene. The club entered the for the first time in September 1878, securing a 1-0 victory over Campsie in a preliminary round, marking its debut in national competition. The club's early infrastructure was modest, with matches hosted at temporary venues before settling into more defined grounds. Initial games took place at Brockville Park from 1876 to 1879, a primitive field that evolved over time, though the club shifted to Randyford on Road in 1879 and later to Blinkbonny and Hope Street sites amid organizational growth. By 1885, returned to a leased Brockville Park, which became a central hub for community gatherings and fixtures. Key figures included George Richardson, who served as secretary in 1878 and helped administer the club's 53 members as listed in the Annual for 1878-79. These leaders, drawn from local enthusiasts, underscored the club's amateur ethos and its role in uniting 's working-class population through sport.

Entry into the Scottish Football League

Falkirk Football Club, having established itself as a prominent amateur side in regional competitions during the late , sought professional status by applying for membership in the (SFL). In 1902, the expansion of the First Division from 10 to 12 teams created two vacancies in the Second Division, prompting elections among applicant clubs; Falkirk was successfully elected alongside Raith Rovers, joining the league for the 1902–03 season. The club's debut in the Second Division saw a solid mid-table finish of seventh place, with 8 wins, 7 draws, and 7 losses across 22 matches, scoring 39 goals while conceding 37. Improving in their second season to fourth place (11 wins, 4 draws, 7 losses; 50 goals for, 34 against), Falkirk achieved promotion after finishing as runners-up in 1904–05 (12 wins, 4 draws, 6 losses; 31 goals for, 25 against), earning election to the First Division for 1905–06. This rapid ascent marked the club's transition to professional football, where they competed against established sides like Celtic and Rangers. In the First Division, Falkirk quickly emerged as contenders, reaching their highest pre-war finish of second place in 1907–08 with a remarkable 22 wins, 7 draws, and 5 losses from 34 matches, boasting 102 goals scored—the league's highest tally—and conceding just 40. Key results included a 9–0 home thrashing of Athletic and a 6–1 away victory over , though they drew three times and lost once to Rangers (9 goals for, 12 against overall) and managed only a draw and loss against Celtic (3 for, 4 against). They repeated as runners-up in 1909–10, again with 22 wins, 8 draws, and 4 losses (71 goals for, 28 against), highlighted by a 3–1 home win and 1–0 away victory over Rangers, alongside home and away successes against Celtic (2–0 each). During this period, Falkirk's first major trophy contention came in the 1912–13 , where they defeated Raith Rovers 2–0 in the final at —Jimmy Robertson scoring in the first half and Tommy Logan adding a second after the interval—to claim their inaugural national honor. Early rivalries also developed, particularly with local neighbors East Stirlingshire, whose first competitive league meeting in 1903 ended in a 2–0 Falkirk victory at Merchiston Park, fostering the Stirlingshire derby amid growing regional competition. The outbreak of in 1914 disrupted Scottish football, though the SFL continued with reduced schedules and regional formats; Falkirk finished sixth in the 1914–15 Division A but saw attendances plummet and income dwindle due to enlistments and national priorities. At least seven players enlisted, including John Campey, Bobby Duff, Michael Gibbons, Alexander Henderson, Andrew Henderson, Bob McDougall, and John Ramsay, with several serving in the 16th Battalion; three were killed in action, contributing to the club's wartime challenges. The league fully resumed its pre-war structure in 1919–20, allowing Falkirk to stabilize and rebuild.

Interwar and post-war successes

Falkirk achieved its first major honour in 1913 by winning the Scottish Cup, defeating Raith Rovers 2–0 in the final at Celtic Park before a crowd of 45,000. The goals came from Jimmy Robertson in the first half and Tommy Logan in the second, securing the club's inaugural triumph in the competition. Falkirk's path to the final included a 3–1 replay victory over Greenock Morton in the second round after a 2–2 draw, a 3–1 win against Rangers in the third round, a 1–0 semi-final success against Heart of Midlothian at Ibrox Park in front of 55,000 spectators, showcasing the club's emerging competitive strength. The winning lineup featured goalkeeper Jimmy Orrock, with key contributions from half-back Tommy Logan and forward Jimmy Robertson. During the from 1919 to 1939, Falkirk maintained consistent stability in the Scottish League Division One, rarely finishing below mid-table and achieving notable high placements such as fourth in 1922–23 and 1937–38. The club was relegated only once in 1934–35 after finishing bottom, but swiftly returned as Division Two champions in 1935–36. This sustained presence in the top flight, coupled with growing attendances at Brockville Park—often exceeding 10,000 for key matches—fostered financial growth, enabling investments in players and facilities amid the era's economic challenges. Representative examples include crowds of over 20,000 for derbies against Rangers and Celtic in the 1920s, which bolstered the club's revenue and supported competitive recruitment. Post-World War II, Falkirk experienced fluctuations in the top division, finishing as high as fifth in 1948–49 before relegation in 1950–51 after ending bottom of Division A. The club responded with promotion as Division B runners-up in 1951–52, regaining top-flight status and stabilizing through mid-1950s finishes around 12th to 14th. In 1947–48, Falkirk reached the inaugural final, losing 0–0 and 1–4 on replay to East Fife, highlighting their competitive edge despite no league promotion that season. This era culminated in the club's second victory in 1957, overcoming 2–1 in a replay at after a 1–1 first match. George Merchant opened the scoring with a header from a Johnny Murray cross in the 25th minute, David Curlett equalized for , and Doug Moran netted the winner in the 101st minute through determined play. Standout performances included winger Johnny Murray's tormenting of the defense and Moran's extra-time heroics, with over 52,000 attending the replay.

Mid-20th century decline

Following the successes of the interwar and immediate post-war periods, Falkirk F.C. entered a prolonged phase of instability beginning with their relegation from the First Division at the end of the 1958–59 season, where they finished 17th out of 18 teams. This marked the start of a "" existence between divisions, as the club was immediately promoted back after finishing second in the Second Division during . However, the pattern repeated throughout the and : relegation from the First Division in 1968–69 (17th place) was followed by championship victory in the Second Division in 1969–70, only for another drop in 1973–74 (bottom of the First Division) and a title-winning return in 1974–75. Further demotion came in the club's centenary season of 1976–77 (14th in the First Division), with promotion secured again via the Second Division championship in 1979–80. These fluctuations highlighted persistent on-field struggles and an inability to sustain top-flight status. The 1980s brought continued divisional volatility, including a brief return to the Premier Division after finishing second in the First Division in 1985–86, only to suffer relegation two seasons later after the 1987–88 season (eighth in the Premier Division; bottom two relegated). They immediately returned by finishing second in the First Division in 1988–89. Amid these challenges, financial pressures mounted due to ineffective recruitment, declining attendances, and the costs of frequent promotions and relegations, leading to cost-cutting measures such as reliance on youth development and reduced squad investments. The club navigated "dark days" in the late 1970s and early through board-level efforts to stabilize operations, though specific near-liquidation threats were not publicly documented during this decade. Survival depended on key figures like manager , who oversaw the 1985–86 promotion push. By the 1990s, Falkirk's fortunes hit further lows, with relegation from the Premier Division in 1995–96 after finishing 10th and last in the 10-team league, forcing a return to the First Division. The club spent much of the decade in the second tier, achieving promotions in 1990–91 and 1993–94 via First Division titles but struggling to avoid further drops, including a ninth-place finish in 1996–97 that underscored their precarious position. Financial crises escalated, culminating in a severe debt burden that led to proceedings in March 1998, triggered by £400,000 owed to the , £400,000 to the , and £700,000 to other creditors, exacerbated by high player bonuses from on-field successes amid falling crowds. Key survival efforts included chairman George Fulston personally funding wages and rescheduling matches for immediate , while a of local supporters and investors completed a share buy-out in May 1998, rescuing the club from extinction and enabling a fresh start under new ownership.

Revival in the modern era

Following decades of inconsistency and lower-tier struggles after their post-war successes, Falkirk F.C. began a notable resurgence in the early 2000s under manager John Hughes, who took charge in 2003 and instilled a more ambitious approach to club operations and recruitment. The club's infrastructure upgrades and on-field performances set the stage for entry into the top flight, reversing a period of stagnation that had seen them mired in the second tier since the 1990s. The pivotal 2004–05 Scottish First Division season saw Falkirk dominate the league, clinching the title with 75 points from 22 wins, 9 draws, and 5 losses, scoring 66 goals while conceding just 30. Key matches included a 5–0 home thrashing of Airdrie United in August, which highlighted their attacking prowess led by top scorer (20 league goals), and a crucial 3–0 victory over Clyde in April that confirmed promotion with games to spare. This championship success, coupled with international being named First Division Player of the Year, marked the club's first ascent to the (SPL) since 1995. Central to this revival was the relocation to the newly built in July 2004, which replaced the aging Brockville Park and met the SPL's all-seater capacity requirements of 6,000—a stipulation that had previously blocked promotion attempts in despite winning the title that year. The stadium's modern facilities, including an initial 6,004 capacity with plans for expansion, not only enabled eligibility for top-flight football but also boosted commercial revenue and fan attendance, fostering a renewed sense of professionalism and community support that underpinned the club's ambitions. Upon entering the SPL, Falkirk established themselves as a competitive mid-table side over five seasons, avoiding relegation in their debut campaign with a 10th-place finish and 33 points in 2005–06. They achieved their strongest results in 2006–07 (7th, 50 points) and –08 (7th, 49 points), with standout performances including a 4–0 win over Gretna in and consistent home form that saw them unbeaten in several key derbies. The 2008–09 season ended 9th with 38 points, but the campaign's highlight was a memorable run, culminating in a 2009 final appearance at . There, fell 1–0 to Rangers on 30 May 2009, with Nacho Novo's second-half strike proving decisive in a tightly contested match attended by over 50,000 fans; despite the loss, the run earned Europa League qualification, though they exited in the second qualifying round against Liechtenstein's (1–0 win home, 2–0 loss away). This period under Hughes, bolstered by players like and , represented 's most sustained top-flight presence in modern history up to that point.

League fluctuations and recent promotions

Falkirk were relegated from the at the end of the 2009–10 season after finishing bottom of the table with 31 points from 38 matches, confirmed by a 0–0 draw against on the final day. This marked the end of their five-year stint in the top flight, returning them to the First Division (later restructured as the in 2013). In the years following relegation, Falkirk experienced a period of competitive stability in the second tier, often finishing in the upper half of the table but falling short of promotion. They ended the 2010–11 and 2011–12 seasons in third place, narrowly missing out on play-off opportunities for elevation back to the top division. Subsequent campaigns saw fourth place in 2012–13 and second place in both 2015–16 and 2016–17, yet persistent play-off defeats prevented a return to the Premiership until much later. The club's fortunes declined sharply in 2018–19, culminating in relegation to after finishing ninth in the with 41 points, edged out on despite a 3–2 victory over champions Ross County on the last day. The brought further fluctuations in the third tier, with Falkirk finishing second in 2019–20 (season curtailed due to , no promotion), second again in 2020–21 (lost play-off final to Airdrieonians), sixth in 2021–22, and second in 2022–23 (lost promotion play-offs to Hamilton Academical). These near-misses highlighted a cycle of strong contention for promotion amid inconsistent finishing. Falkirk finally broke through in the 2023–24 League One season, securing the title unbeaten with 27 wins and 9 draws from 36 matches, amassing 90 points and a +54 to earn promotion to the . Building on this momentum, they dominated the 2024–25 , clinching the with a 3–1 victory over Hamilton Academical on the final day to confirm promotion to the after 15 years away. In their return to the Premiership during the 2025–26 season, have shown resilience, sitting fifth after 12 games as of November 16, 2025, following a 1–1 draw against Livingston on November 8. Highlights include a 4–0 defeat to Celtic on October 29, a 1–1 draw against Rangers on October 5, and a 3–1 home win over on November 1, positioning them comfortably mid-table early in the campaign.

Club identity

Colours and kits

Falkirk F.C.'s traditional colours have been shirts paired with white shorts and white socks since the early 1900s, following a shift from an initial in the club's founding years to a lighter introduced in 1909. This combination reflects the club's enduring identity, with the symbolizing loyalty and the white accents providing contrast for visibility on the pitch. The evolution of Falkirk's kits began with simple navy jerseys in 1876, evolving through brief experiments such as scarlet and white hoops in 1887–1889 before reverting to blue. By the mid-20th century, the kits stabilized around the royal blue base, with occasional variations like halved shirts in 1962 that were quickly abandoned after poor on-field results. In the 1990s, kit designs underwent significant changes with the introduction of prominent sponsors, starting with Central Demolition in 1987–1988 and progressing to Beazer Homes and Motors through the decade, which appeared prominently on the front of the royal blue shirts. Suppliers shifted frequently during this period, from Hummel (1991–1994) to Matchwinner (1994–1996) and (1996–1999), coinciding with experimental patterns such as the checkered away kit in 1996–1997. These sponsor integrations marked a commercial era, enhancing visibility while maintaining the core colour scheme. In recent seasons, Crunchy Carrots has served as the shirt sponsor since 2023–24. As of the 2025–26 season, serves as the kit supplier, a partnership ongoing since 2023. The home kit features a navy body with sleeves—returning for the first time since 2009–2010—accented by red trim on the cuffs, paired with shorts and red socks. The away kit adopts a base with blue and navy chequered sleeves, a modern remake of an iconic design, complete with a collared for a classic touch. The club's crest is integrated centrally on the chest across both kits, linking the emblem to the fabric elements.

Badge and crest

Falkirk Football Club's badge has undergone several evolutions since the club's founding in 1876, initially drawing inspiration from the local burgh's heraldry to reflect the town's historical and cultural identity. The Falkirk coat of arms, granted on April 20, 1906, features a sable shield with a bend bretessed representing the Antonine Wall, the parish church known as "Faw’kirk," crossed swords and claymores commemorating the Battles of Falkirk in 1298 and 1746, and billets from the Callendar family arms; these elements symbolized the area's Roman heritage, religious significance, and turbulent Scottish history. In 1909, the club adopted its first official crest based on this burgh design, incorporating the town motto "Touch ane, touch a'" (meaning "touch one, touch all") to evoke community solidarity. A 1937 iteration introduced a quartered shield with a phoenix—symbolizing the Carron Iron Company's role in Falkirk's industrial prosperity—alongside two schoolboys representing "The Bairns" (the children), a nickname derived from the fuller local motto "Better meddle wi' the deil than the Bairns o' Fa'kirk," emphasizing the town's fierce spirit. During the mid-20th century, shifted toward more distinctive club-specific motifs amid modernization efforts. The Highlander crest, used notably on the for the 1957 final, depicted an armed highlander figure alluding to the 1746 , framed by the motto "Touch ane, touch a'" at the top and "Falkirk Football Club" at the bottom; this marked the first explicitly tailored for the club, blending local Jacobite with football identity. By the 1970s, a new crest emerged featuring a silhouette of the iconic Falkirk Steeple—a 18th-century landmark atop a football—designed by club official Willie McFarlane using a sixpence coin as a template for the ball; this symbolized the town's architectural heritage and the sport's centrality to club life. The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw further refinements driven by rebranding initiatives to align with professional football's commercial landscape, particularly around the club's relocation from Park to the new in 2004. A 1992 update modernized the design atop a contemporary football, but it proved unpopular among fans and was phased out by 1995 due to fading appeal and design flaws. The current badge, introduced for the 1998–99 season, features a blue shield-shaped emblem with a stylized silhouette positioned over a classic football, and the word "" arched below; the "EST. 1876" inscription was omitted to streamline the branding for broader marketability. This design, which explicitly incorporates the "The Bairns" nickname in club context through historical ties, remains in use as of 2025, occasionally adapted for sponsor placements on matchday kits while preserving the core symbolism of local pride and resilience.

Stadiums

Brockville Park era

Brockville Park, situated on Hope Street in , served as the home ground for Falkirk F.C. from its opening in 1885 until the end of the 2002–03 season, spanning nearly 119 years of the club's history. Originally established as a basic , the underwent significant developments in the early , including the reconstruction of a wooden following a in 1907 and the construction of a new, larger in 1928 at a cost of £7,600, which seated around 2,750 spectators and boosted overall capacity. These enhancements reflected the growing popularity of the club and allowed for larger crowds during peak periods in the mid-20th century. By the 1950s, Park's layout—primarily terraced with covered enclosures—supported attendances well beyond its nominal capacity of approximately 8,000, as evidenced by the official record crowd of 23,100 for a third-round match against Celtic on 21 February 1953, though unofficial estimates suggested even higher numbers due to overcrowding. The stadium hosted numerous memorable events, including the presentation of the trophy to the victorious 1957 team on 24 April, following their 2–0 replay win over at ; the cup was paraded through the town before being handed over amid jubilant scenes at . Despite its historical significance, Brockville Park became outdated by the late 20th century, with persistent safety concerns and failure to meet standards repeatedly blocking promotion, notably in 2003 after the club's First Division title win. The stadium was demolished toward the end of 2003, largely unchanged for decades and deemed unsafe for modern professional matches, paving the way for urban redevelopment of the site into a . Falkirk F.C. subsequently relocated to the newly built for the 2004–05 season.

Falkirk Stadium

Falkirk Stadium, located in Westfield, Falkirk, opened in August 2004 as the new home ground for Falkirk F.C., replacing the club's historic Brockville Park venue. The stadium was constructed through a partnership between the club and Council, with an initial capacity of approximately 8,000 all-seater spectators. By 2025, the seated capacity stood at 7,937 across three completed stands: the main West Stand, the South Stand, and the North Stand, with plans approved for a fourth East Stand to add 2,000 seats. Ownership of the stadium transferred fully to Falkirk Council on 1 November 2022, following a separation of financial arrangements between the council and the club in 2009. This public ownership has enabled broader community utilization beyond football matches, including hosting concerts, rugby fixtures for local teams like , and various public events that support regional sports and leisure activities. In the 2020s, the underwent significant renovations focused on pitch quality to align with higher-tier competition requirements. The original grass surface was replaced with an artificial pitch in 2013 for durability and multi-use purposes, and a further upgrade to a Quality Pro-certified GreenFields MX Elite artificial surface was completed in July 2023, funded partly by Scottish FA grants. These improvements enhanced playability and maintenance, though the artificial pitch has faced scrutiny amid the Scottish Professional Football League's phase-out of synthetic surfaces in the Premiership by summer 2027; received an extended to use the current pitch until then, with estimated costs of £1.2 million for a grass conversion if needed. During the 2025–26 season, has seen strong crowd support following the club's promotion, with an average home of around 7,557 across early fixtures. The season's record Premiership at the venue was 7,652 for the match against on 25 October 2025, reflecting renewed enthusiasm for top-flight football in the area. Matchday atmosphere has been notably vibrant, bolstered by a dedicated safe-standing section in the Kevin McAllister Stand (Section E), which fosters intense supporter energy while maintaining safety standards, alongside family-friendly fan zones offering pre-match entertainment and inclusive options.

Supporters and rivalries

Fanbase and culture

The nickname "The Bairns," meaning "children" in the Scots dialect, originates from Falkirk's historic town , "Better meddle wi' the deil than the Bairns o' ," which dates back to at least the and reflects the town's reputation for resilient inhabitants. This moniker has been embraced by the club's supporters, symbolizing local pride and community spirit tied to 's longstanding identity. Falkirk F.C.'s fanbase has shown significant growth in recent years, particularly following the club's promotion to the , with average home attendances rising above 7,500 during the 2025–26 season, up from around 6,445 in the prior campaign. This increase underscores the renewed enthusiasm among supporters, bolstered by the club's return to top-flight football after a 15-year absence. Organized supporter groups play a vital role in the club's culture, with the Falkirk Ultras 1876 emerging as a prominent ultras collective known for creating vibrant atmospheres through tifos and chants. In May 2025, the group received over £8,000 in donations from the broader fanbase after a reported of their display materials, highlighting the community's solidarity. Complementing these efforts, community programs foster deeper engagement, including the relaunch of the Falkirk Academy in May 2025 for the 2025–26 season, which aims to develop young talent and provide educational pathways in partnership with local firms like GAC UK. The fanbase's culture is deeply intertwined with Falkirk's industrial heritage, as the club—founded in amid the town's rise as a key manufacturing hub—serves as a cultural anchor for post-industrial communities, with initiatives like the Falkirk Football Heritage Trust preserving stories of working-class resilience through matches and memorabilia. Post-2010 fan-owned initiatives have further strengthened this bond, culminating in the Falkirk Supporters' Society achieving majority ownership by 2021, now holding 84% of shares as of 2023, empowering fans to influence club decisions and invest directly in its future.

Key rivalries

Falkirk's primary local rivalry is with Stirling Albion, forming part of the broader Central derby due to the clubs' geographic proximity in the region. The competition traces its origins to the post-World War II era, with the first league encounters occurring in the early 1950s as both teams vied for supremacy in Scotland's lower divisions. Over the decades, Falkirk has dominated the head-to-head record, with 9 wins in 11 matches since 2010, including a 5-1 victory in the 2024–25 Cup final that underscored the fixture's intensity despite the league gap. These encounters often carry regional pride, with cup ties like the Cup amplifying tensions between supporters from Falkirk and . Matches against Edinburgh clubs Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian gained historical significance during Falkirk's Scottish Premier League tenure from 2005 to 2010, when proximity and competitive stakes fostered derby-like atmospheres. Falkirk recorded notable results in the 2000s, including a 2-1 home win over Hearts in 2007, which highlighted the fixtures' physicality and importance for mid-table survival. The intensity stemmed from Falkirk's status as an upstart against established capital sides, though the clubs' meetings have become less frequent post-relegation. Recent 2025–26 Premiership clashes, such as Hearts' 3-0 win in September and Hibernian's 2-2 draw the prior week, have revived some of that competitive edge. In lower leagues following relegations, Falkirk has developed rivalries with nearby clubs Airdrieonians and Clyde through frequent post-relegation clashes in League One and the . Against Airdrieonians, encounters have been closely contested, with Falkirk securing 2–0 wins in the 2024–25 season amid battles for promotion spots. Similarly, matches with Clyde in League One during the early 2020s featured high-scoring draws and narrow victories, such as the 3-3 stalemate in 2022, reflecting the gritty, local nature of these derbies. The recent promotion battle with Livingston has elevated that fixture to a key rivalry in the 2025–26 Premiership, where both clubs competed for the 2024–25 title—Falkirk edging out Livingston on the final day. Their season opener saw Livingston triumph 3-1 in August 2025, but a 1-1 draw on November 8, 2025, at intensified the competition, with fans noting the added bitterness from last season's close race. These games highlight how league positioning continues to fuel ongoing tensions.

Current squad and staff

First-team squad

As of November 2025, Falkirk F.C.'s first-team squad for the 2025–26 season comprises a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, bolstered by key returns and signings to support the club's promotion campaign. Under manager John McGlynn, the team typically deploys a 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasizing solid defensive organization and quick transitions through the midfield. After 12 league games, Ross MacIver leads the scoring with 3 goals, followed by Calvin Miller and Brian Graham with 2 each, while Dylan Tait has 1 goal; assist leaders are Ethan Williams with 3 and Calvin Miller with 2.

Goalkeepers

The goalkeeper department features reliable options, with Nicky Hogarth as the primary starter (squad number 1, contract until May 2026). Jamie Sneddon (number 12, until May 2026) provides backup, and experienced Scott Bain (number 19, until May 2026) adds depth following his summer arrival.

Defenders

The backline has been strengthened amid injury concerns, highlighted by the November 2025 signing of Ryan Edwards (number 25, centre-back, short-term contract until December 31, 2025, free transfer from Dundee United) to cover for absences like Tom Lang. Key players include captain Liam Henderson (number 5, centre-back, until May 2028), Coll Donaldson (number 6, centre-back, until May 2026), Tom Lang (number 4, centre-back, until May 2027), and versatile Leon McCann (number 3, left-back, until May 2026). Youth integrations feature Connor Allan (number 20, centre-back, 21 years old) and Filip Lissah (number 28, centre-back on loan from Swansea City until May 2026, 20 years old), both breaking into the first team from academy pathways. Other defenders: Keelan Adams (number 2, right-back, until May 2027), Lewis Neilson (number 15, centre-back, until May 2026), Sam Hart (number 42, left-back on loan from Port Vale until June 2026), and Finn Yeats (number 14, right-back, until May 2026).
PositionPlayerSquad No.Contract ExpiryNotes
Centre-Back5May 2028Captain
Centre-BackColl Donaldson6May 2026-
Centre-Back4May 2027Injured (Nov 2025)
Centre-BackRyan Edwards25Dec 2025Signed Nov 2025, free
Centre-BackConnor Allan20-Youth integration
Centre-BackFilip Lissah (loan)28May 2026From Swansea City, youth
Left-BackLeon McCann3May 2026-
Left-BackSam Hart (loan)42Jun 2026From Port Vale
Right-BackKeelan Adams2May 2027-
Centre-Back15May 2026-
Right-BackFinn Yeats14May 2026-

Midfielders

The midfield engine room is anchored by veterans like Scott Arfield (number 37, central midfielder, returned permanently in February 2025 from Bolton Wanderers and extended until May 2026), who brings leadership and creativity. Brad Spencer (number 8, central midfielder, until May 2026) and Aidan Nesbitt (number 10, attacking midfielder, until May 2027) form a dynamic core. Other notables: Dylan Tait (number 21, central midfielder, until May 2026), Gary Oliver (number 18, attacking midfielder, until May 2026), Calvin Miller (number 29, right midfielder, until May 2027), Ethan Ross (number 23, right midfielder, until May 2027), and Henry Cartwright (number 17, central midfielder, 20 years old, loan until June 2026 from Leicester City, academy pathway integration).
PositionPlayerSquad No.Contract ExpiryNotes
Central MidScott Arfield37May 2026Returned Feb 2025
Central MidBrad Spencer8May 2026-
Att. MidAidan Nesbitt10May 2027-
Central MidDylan Tait21May 20261 goal
Att. MidGary Oliver18May 2026-
Right MidCalvin Miller29May 20272 goals, 2 assists
Right MidEthan Ross23May 2027-
Central MidHenry Cartwright17Jun 2026Loan from Leicester City, youth integration (20yo)

Forwards

Up front, Ross MacIver (number 9, striker, until May 2027) is the focal point as top scorer. Brian Graham (number 7, striker, until May 2026) provides veteran finishing, while younger options include Alfie Agyeman (number 11, forward, until May 2027) and loan signing Kyrell Wilson (number 22, forward from Swansea City until May 2026, 20 years old). Academy graduate Trey Samuel-Ogunsuyi (number 47, forward on loan from until June 2026, 18 years old) has been integrated for depth, making substitute appearances. Ethan Williams (number 24, forward, until May 2026) adds pace on the wings.
PositionPlayerSquad No.Contract ExpiryNotes
StrikerRoss MacIver9May 20273 goals (top scorer)
StrikerBrian Graham7May 20262 goals
ForwardAlfie Agyeman11May 2027-
ForwardKyrell Wilson (loan)22May 2026From Swansea City
ForwardEthan Williams24May 20263 assists
ForwardTrey Samuel-Ogunsuyi (loan)47Jun 2026From Sunderland, youth (18yo)
The squad's blend of experience and youth reflects the relaunch of Falkirk's in May 2025, with players like Samuel-Ogunsuyi and Cartwright earning first-team minutes to build on the club's promotion .

Coaching staff

John McGlynn serves as the head coach of Falkirk F.C., having been appointed on May 4, 2022, with his contract extended to 2029 in March 2025. McGlynn, born December 19, 1961, previously managed the club from 2018 to 2019 and returned to lead Falkirk to back-to-back promotions, culminating in the 2024–25 title and return to the after a 15-year absence. In the 2025–26 season, his tactics emphasize a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on structured build-up play from the back and exploiting wide areas through clever overlapping runs to support the team's push for Premiership survival and a potential top-six finish. McGlynn has also incorporated player rotation to manage fixture congestion, as evidenced by squad freshening that contributed to a 3-1 victory over in November 2025. Assisting McGlynn is Paul Smith, the assistant manager since May 2022, whose contract was extended to 2029 alongside McGlynn's in March 2025. A former Falkirk player born November 2, 1962, Smith brings over two decades of coaching experience, including stints at Dundee United and Hearts, and has been pivotal in implementing McGlynn's high-pressing strategies during the promotion campaigns. joined as first-team coach on May 30, 2025, following his retirement as club captain at the end of the 2024–25 season after an unbeaten League One title win in 2023–24. The 37-year-old former , with over 200 appearances for , focuses on midfield organization and youth integration into senior training sessions. Robbie Thomson was appointed head of goalkeeping on August 19, 2025, bringing his A Goalkeeping License and prior experience as goalkeeping coach at Raith Rovers. A former academy product and professional born March 7, 1993, Thomson runs Pro GK, emphasizing distribution and shot-stopping drills tailored to Premiership demands; his contract runs until May 31, 2026. Fitness responsibilities fall under Blair Doughty, head of services since July 5, 2024, who oversees physical conditioning and data-driven load management for the first team. Doughty, a 28-year-old graduate, collaborates with first-team sport scientist Lewis Collison to monitor player workloads amid the intensified Premiership schedule. The medical team plays a crucial role in injury management during the 2025–26 Premiership season, led by club doctor Calum Fraser and physiotherapist Cammy McAndrew. Fraser, appointed in recent years, coordinates with McAndrew to handle rehabilitation protocols, as seen in the accelerated recovery of winger Ethan Ross from an ankle injury sustained in August 2025, allowing his return ahead of the expected 12-week timeline for a match against Celtic in late October 2025. This support, bolstered by performance analysts like Matty Rowan, has helped mitigate setbacks for players such as Coll Donaldson, who underwent abdominal surgery but received ongoing monitoring to aid his reintegration. Scouting efforts are directed by Allan Fraser, head of scouting since February 6, 2025, who returned from a role at Nottingham Forest to identify Premiership-caliber talent and loan options, contributing to key summer signings that bolstered squad depth. Tony Begg has been head of since July 25, 2022, with a background in Scottish FA performance schools and coaching at Hibernian. Under his leadership, relaunched its full academy structure on May 20, 2025, achieving Elite Youth Academy Performance Level status for the 2025–26 season after a seven-year hiatus. The relaunch includes expanded age-group teams from U7 to U18, summer recruitment drives targeting local talent, and enhanced facilities at the club's training ground to foster pathways to the first team, aligning with McGlynn's emphasis on youth development.

Managerial history

List of managers

Falkirk F.C. was founded in 1876, and during its early years until 1902, the club operated on an amateur basis with leadership provided by club secretaries and elected captains who served as managers, handling team selection and tactics without a formal paid role. The position of professional manager was established in 1905 with the appointment of Willie Nicol, marking the start of structured coaching. Since then, the club has employed over 40 managers, including several interim and joint appointments, with notable tenures including Bob Shankly in the 1950s, who oversaw promotion after relegation; , who led the 1957 victory; Alex Smith during brief caretaker spells in the 2010s, achieving a 100% win rate across limited games; and John McGlynn from 2022 to present, who guided the club to back-to-back promotions in 2023–24 and 2024–25, returning to the Premiership for the 2025–26 season (ongoing as of November 2025). The following table summarizes all managers chronologically, with available competitive record statistics (P: matches played; W: wins; D: draws; L: losses; : points per game). Comprehensive historical statistics for pre-1990 tenures are limited, so dashes indicate unavailable data from verified sources. Records include league and cup matches unless noted.
ManagerTenurePWDLPPG
Amateur captains/club secretaries1876–1905-----
Willie Nicol1905–1924800+----
David Reid1924–1927-----
John Richardson1927–1932-----
Willie Orr1932–1935-----
Thomas Craig1935–1950595----
Bob Shankly1950–1956-----
Reggie Smith1957–1959-----
Tommy Younger1959–19602810---
Alex McCrae1960–1965-----
Sammy Kean1965–1966-----
John Prentice1966–1968-----
Willie Cunningham1968–1973-----
John Prentice (2nd)1973–1975-----
George Miller1975–1977-----
Billy Little1977–1979-----
John Hagart1979–1982-----
Alex Totten1982–1983-----
Gregor Abel1983–1984-----
Billy Lamont1984–1987-----
Dave Clarke1987–1988-----
Jim Duffy1988–1989-----
Jim Jefferies1990–1995-----
John Lambie1995–1996-----
Eamonn Bannon1996-----
Gerry Collins (interim)1996-----
Alex Totten (2nd)1996–2002197---1.57
Ian McCall2002–200322---2.23
Owen Coyle & John Hughes (joint interim)2003----
John Hughes2003–2009281117611051.68
Eddie May2009–2010273--0.74
Steven Pressley2010–2013138---1.54
Alex Smith (caretaker)20135---3.00
Gary Holt2013–201453---1.68
Peter Houston2014–2017152---1.67
Paul Hartley2017–201841---1.44
Alex Smith (caretaker, 2nd)201711003.00
Gordon Young (interim)2018-----
Ray McKinnon2018–201955---1.27
Lee Miller & David McCracken (joint)2019–202144----
Gary Holt (interim)20214---0.25
Paul Sheerin202123---1.22
Danny Grainger (interim)2021-----
Martin Rennie2021–202217---1.06
Kenny Miller (interim)20223---1.33
John McGlynn2022–present1589730312.03

Notable managerial tenures

Reg Smith took charge of Falkirk in January 1957 amid a perilous league position that threatened relegation from the top flight, infusing the squad with renewed vigor through tactical reorganization that emphasized defensive solidity and opportunistic counter-attacks. His strategies proved transformative, steering the team to survival in the league while masterminding an improbable triumph just months later, defeating 2-1 in a replay at after a 1-1 draw in the original final. This victory, Falkirk's second in the competition, marked a high point and cemented Smith's legacy as a savior figure, though his tenure ended in 1959 after steady mid-table finishes without further promotions. John Hughes assumed the managerial role at Falkirk in 2003, implementing a youth-focused philosophy that integrated academy talents into the first team alongside shrewd signings to build a competitive unit capable of challenging for promotion. His emphasis on developing local prospects, such as and Mark Kerr, fostered a cohesive playing style rooted in high pressing and fluid transitions, culminating in the 2004–05 Scottish First Division title and elevation to the (SPL) for the first time in club history. Hughes' six-year spell also included a final appearance in 2009, though a 1-0 loss to Rangers tempered the celebrations, leaving a lasting impact on the club's youth infrastructure and top-flight ambitions before his departure to Hibernian. Peter Houston's arrival in June 2014 brought proven pedigree from his Scottish Cup-winning stint at Dundee United, and he quickly instilled a resilient, attacking at , prioritizing wide play and set-piece exploitation to maximize limited resources in the . Over three seasons, his leadership secured second-place finishes in 2014–15 and 2015–16, earning promotion playoffs both times—though narrow defeats to CT and prevented elevation—while guiding the team to the , a 2-0 loss to that nonetheless qualified for the qualifying rounds against . Houston's tenure, ending mutually in September 2017 amid a sluggish start, highlighted his tactical adaptability but underscored the fine margins in playoff battles, contributing to 's reputation for cup competitiveness. John McGlynn was appointed Falkirk manager in May 2022 on a two-year contract, extending his deal through 2029 alongside assistant Paul Smith, and adopted a pragmatic 4-2-3-1 formation that balanced defensive organization with quick transitions to dominate lower-tier opposition. In the season, his side achieved an unbeaten campaign, clinching the title with 27 wins and 9 draws to secure promotion to the . Building on this momentum, McGlynn led to the 2024–25 title, earning PFA Scotland Manager of the Year honors for the second consecutive season and adapting the squad's tactics for the rigors of the 2025–26 through targeted reinforcements and intensive pre-season conditioning focused on pace and aerial duels. His ongoing legacy emphasizes sustained progression, transforming from League One contenders into top-flight participants.

Achievements

Domestic honours

Falkirk F.C. has a distinguished record in Scottish domestic competitions, particularly in the lower tiers, where it holds the distinction of winning the second-tier a record eight times. The club's successes span over a century, with notable achievements in cup competitions and league titles that have facilitated multiple promotions to higher divisions. These honours underscore Falkirk's resilience and competitive edge in Scottish football, often serving as springboards for returns to the top flight.

Scottish Cup

Falkirk has won the Scottish Cup twice, both victories occurring in the early 20th century. The club's first triumph came in the 1912–13 season, defeating Raith Rovers 2–0 in the final at Celtic Park on 12 April 1913, with goals from Tommy Sloan and Jimmy McMenemy securing the trophy in front of 25,000 spectators. The second win arrived in the 1956–57 season after a 1–1 draw in the initial final against Kilmarnock on 27 April 1957; Falkirk prevailed 2–1 in the replay at Hampden Park on 1 May 1957, with Alex Parker and Eddie Turnbull scoring to clinch the club's only major honour in the post-war era up to that point. Falkirk has also reached the final as runners-up on three occasions: losing 1–0 to Kilmarnock in 1996–97, 1–0 to Rangers in 2008–09, and 2–1 to Inverness Caledonian Thistle in 2014–15, experiences that highlighted the club's ability to compete against elite opposition despite operating outside the top division.

Scottish Championship / First Division

Falkirk holds the record for the most titles in Scotland's second tier, with eight championships that reflect periods of dominance and rapid ascents through the leagues. The full list of triumphs includes the 1935–36, 1969–70, 1974–75, 1990–91, 1993–94, 2002–03, 2009–10, and 2024–25 seasons. Key victories include the 2002–03 season, when Falkirk clinched the title with 75 points under manager Ian McCall, earning promotion to the after a five-year absence from the elite level. Similarly, the 2009–10 campaign saw the club, managed by Eddie May, secure the title with 69 points to return to the top flight following relegation the previous year. Most recently, in 2024–25, Falkirk won the with a 3–1 victory over Hamilton Academical on 2 May 2025, confirming promotion back to the after 15 years and marking consecutive title wins across tiers. These successes have often been characterized by strong defensive records and key contributions from homegrown talent, establishing Falkirk as a perennial promotion contender.

Scottish Challenge Cup

Falkirk is the most successful club in the history of the , with four victories that demonstrate its prowess in this knockout competition open to SPFL and Highland League teams. The wins occurred in the 1993–94, 1997–98, 2004–05, and 2011–12 seasons. In 1993–94, Falkirk defeated St Mirren 3–0 in the final at Fir Park on 12 December 1993, with goals from Neil Duffy, Richard Cadette, and John Hughes. The 1997–98 final against Queen of the South at Fir Park on 2 November 1997 ended 1–0, with David Hagen scoring the winner. In 2004–05, managed by John Hughes, Falkirk defeated Ross County 2–1 in the final at on 7 November 2004, with goals from Steven Craig and . The fourth title came in 2011–12, when Falkirk beat Hamilton Academical 1–0 in the final at on 1 April 2012, thanks to an early strike by Darren Dods. These triumphs, often against fellow second-tier sides, have provided vital silverware during transitional periods and boosted the club's confidence ahead of promotion pushes.

Scottish League One

Falkirk has secured the title twice, both instances marking significant rebuilding phases in the club's history. The first came in the 1979–80 season, when Falkirk won the Second Division (predecessor to League One) under manager , finishing with 58 points from 36 games to earn promotion. The second and more remarkable achievement occurred in the 2023–24 season, where Falkirk completed an unbeaten campaign—27 wins and 9 draws from 36 matches—clinching the title on 30 March 2024 with a 2–0 victory over Queen of the South, amassing a record 90 points and setting the stage for back-to-back promotions the following year. This invincible run, the first in Scottish senior football since 1898, highlighted manager John McGlynn's tactical discipline and the squad's depth.

Club records

Falkirk F.C. holds several notable league records, including the longest unbeaten run in competitive matches, which spanned 43 games across the 2023–24 League One and 2024–25 seasons before ending with a 1–0 defeat to Raith Rovers on 28 September 2024. The club also achieved its highest points total in a single league season with 90 points during the invincible 2023–24 League One campaign, comprising 27 wins and 9 draws without a loss. The club's all-time record attendance is 23,100, set at the former Brockville Park during a third-round tie against Celtic on 21 February 1953. At the modern , the highest attendance stands at 7,926 for a play-off semi-final second leg against Dundee United on 19 May 2017. In the 2025–26 Premiership season, Falkirk recorded a home attendance high of 7,652 against Rangers. Falkirk made footballing history in the transfer market by paying a then-world record fee of £5,000 to sign forward Syd Puddefoot from West Ham United in February 1922, surpassing the previous British benchmark of £4,600. The club's highest fee received came in 1995 with £380,000 (equivalent to approximately €570,000) for defender John Hughes' move to Celtic. In terms of goalscoring, Falkirk's most prolific league season saw the team net 132 goals in the 1935–36 Scottish Second Division. The individual record for most goals in a single season belongs to Evelyn Morrison, who scored 43 times during the 1928–29 campaign. Disciplinary records include the fewest red cards in a season (zero) during the 2023–24 League One title-winning run.
CategoryRecordDetails
Longest Unbeaten League Run43 games2023–24 to 2024–25 seasons
Highest Points Total90 points2023–24 League One
Record Attendance23,100vs. Celtic, 1953
Highest Transfer Paid£5,000Syd Puddefoot from , 1922
Highest Transfer Received£380,000John Hughes to Celtic, 1995
Most League Goals (Club)1321935–36 Second Division
Most Goals (Player, Season)43Evelyn Morrison, 1928–29

Players

Notable former players

Falkirk F.C. has produced and attracted several players who made lasting contributions to the club's history through , scoring prowess, and international recognition. Among the most celebrated are those inducted into the club's Hall of Fame, which honors individuals for their exceptional service and impact. Alex Parker, a versatile defender who captained the team in the 1950s, earned induction for his pivotal role in the 1957 victory and his status as the club's most capped international player. Parker made 151 appearances for Falkirk between 1952 and 1958, transitioning from inside forward to right-back and pioneering overlapping play in Scottish football. George Merchant, another Hall of Fame inductee, was a prolific centre-forward whose goals powered Falkirk's 1957 triumph, including a strike in the final against . Merchant featured in every match of that cup run, scoring four goals overall, and amassed 37 appearances with 28 goals during his time at the club from 1957 to 1958. Other inductees include , the midfielder who inspired the 2007–08 season with 137 league appearances and 42 goals, earning praise for his technical skill and leadership. Additional Hall of Fame members include Willie Whigham and Tommy Murray, recognized for their contributions in earlier eras. The club's record appearance makers highlight enduring loyalty, with Tom Ferguson holding the benchmark for league games at 451 between 1919 and 1932, a testament to his reliability as a defender during Falkirk's interwar . For goals, Kenny Dawson stands as the all-time leading scorer with 229 across his career at the club in the and , including stints as a forward who helped secure multiple promotions. These records underscore the longevity and productivity of players in Falkirk's golden periods. Notable transfers have marked key chapters, such as the 1922 signing of Syd Puddefoot from West Ham United for a then-world record £5,000, the highest fee in football history at the time, intended to bolster the team's cup ambitions. Puddefoot, an international, scored 49 goals in 113 league appearances before departing in 1929. In more recent times, featured in spells from 2007 to 2013 (including youth setups), contributing 119 appearances and 9 goals before moving to Huddersfield Town for up to £600,000, returning to the club in 2024. Falkirk's international connections are exemplified by players earning Scotland caps while at the club, with Alex Parker leading at 15 total (14 during his Falkirk tenure, including the 1958 World Cup squad). Other notables include John White, who gained 4 caps in the early 1960s before his tragic death, and Darren Barr with 1 cap in 2010, the first Falkirk player selected for in over 50 years. These achievements reflect the club's ability to develop talent for the national team despite competing in lower divisions at times.

European record

Falkirk F.C. has had a limited presence in European competitions, with their sole participation occurring in the season. The club qualified for the tournament as runners-up in the , marking their first and only entry into UEFA-sanctioned club football. Entering at the second qualifying round, Falkirk faced Liechtensteiner side . In the first leg at home on 16 July 2009, they secured a narrow 1–0 victory, with scoring the decisive goal in the 57th minute before a crowd of 5,763 at . However, the return leg on 23 July 2009 in ended in a 0–2 defeat, with goals from Mario Frick and Patrick Dimbong sealing a 2–1 aggregate loss and eliminating Falkirk from the competition. The campaign highlighted the challenges of European qualifiers for Scottish clubs outside the top tier, as failed to advance despite a promising home performance. Defender , a key figure in the squad during the late , contributed to the defensive setup in these matches, reflecting the team's reliance on experienced players for such rare outings. 's overall European record comprises just two matches, with 1 win and 1 loss, 1 goal scored, and 2 conceded, and no progression beyond the initial qualifying stage. The club has not returned to European competition since, underscoring their focus on domestic leagues and cups.
SeasonCompetitionRoundOpponentHomeAwayAggregate
2009–10UEFA Europa LeagueSecond Qualifying Round1–00–21–2

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  98. https://www.falkirkfc.co.uk/2025/08/29/kyrell-wilson-joins-on-season-long-loan/
  99. https://www.falkirkfc.co.uk/2025/02/04/scott-arfield-returns/
  100. https://www.falkirkfc.co.uk/2025/05/21/scott-arfield-signs-for-another-year/
  101. https://www.falkirkfc.co.uk/2025/08/30/falkirk-fc-sign-trey-samuel-ogunsuyi-on-loan/
  102. https://www.falkirkfc.co.uk/2025/05/20/the-falkirk-academy-returns/
  103. https://www.transfermarkt.com/john-mcglynn/profil/trainer/3049
  104. https://www.falkirkfc.co.uk/2025/03/07/john-mcglynn-and-paul-smith-extend/
  105. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/czx4v171v20o
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  113. https://www.falkirkherald.co.uk/sport/football/falkirk-confirm-new-goalie-coach-as-ex-bairns-ace-joins-from-raith-rovers-5281858
  114. https://www.falkirkfc.co.uk/2024/07/05/blair-doughty-joins-as-head-of-performance/
  115. https://uk.linkedin.com/in/blair-doughty-352b4216a
  116. https://www.falkirkherald.co.uk/sport/football/falkirk-fc/falkirk-ethan-ross-return-after-injury-5379263
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  118. https://news.stv.tv/sport/john-mcglynn-reveals-injury-setback-and-fresh-surgery-for-falkirks-coll-donaldson
  119. https://www.falkirkherald.co.uk/sport/football/allan-fraser-appointed-falkirks-new-chief-scout-as-recruitment-guru-returns-from-premier-league-high-flyers-4979300
  120. https://www.falkirkfc.co.uk/2022/07/25/tony-begg-appointed-head-of-youth-development/
  121. https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/sport/14820181/falkirk-youth-academy-relaunches-scott-arfield-sibbald-fulton/
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  154. https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/history/clubs/89723--falkirk/
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  156. https://www.londonhearts.com/europe/falkirk.htm
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