Falkirk

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Dundee United midfielder Craig Sibbald has agreed to return to Falkirk this summer after agreeing a pre-contract.

Sibbald, 30, started with the Bairns, making 274 appearances between 2011 and 2018, moving on to Livingston and then Dundee United in 2022.

"I'm very proud to be coming back home where it all started," Sibbald told Falkirk club media.

"This club means everything to me and I'm delighted to sign a deal to return to my boyhood team that I grew up supporting. I can't wait to put the Falkirk shirt on again and give everything for the badge.

"The opportunity to come back at this stage of my career feels right and I can't wait to get started next season.

"Once a bairn always a bairn."

And manager John McGlynn said: "He was very positive as soon as we got a chance to talk to him with regards to coming here and he showed real excitement and enthusiasm to be back at the football club.

"He's an outstanding central midfielder with real experience at the Premiership level for many years. He knows the league inside out and it's great we can continue to bring Scottish players to the football club, and not only that but a player who has been here previously, is from the local area and is absolutely desperate to pull a Falkirk jersey on and give his utmost for the football club.

"It isn't always possible and we often have to cast our net further afield but it's great to bring one of our own back to Falkirk."

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Left-back Leon McCann has signed a two-year extension to his Falkirk contract, running until 2028.

The 26-year-old has played 21 times in the Scottish Premiership this term after progressing to the top flight from the third tier with the Bairns.

Manager John McGlynn hailed "an outstanding season" from the defender, who has played more than 160 games for the club.

"We ask [our full-backs] to get forward and contribute, and especially in recent weeks that's really been paying off for Leon and for the team," McGlynn said.

"He progressed from League One into the Championship and, like a few others, there were probably questions about whether he could make that step up.

"I think Leon has definitely done that. He's excelled, and it's a tribute to him that he's performed so well. We're delighted to be working with him for a further two years."

Former Airdrieonians left-back McCann added: "I'm over the moon. It's been in the works for a wee bit and I'm buzzing to get it over the line.

"The club's been on an upwards trajectory for the past three years. I knew where this club could go, that's the reason I signed.

"I knew Falkirk was a sleeping giant, and now we're close to securing top six in our first season back in the Premiership, who knows where this club can go."

Sportscene pundit Stephen Craigan believes Falkirk striker Barney Stewart will go for big money in the summer and will be occupying Scotland head coach Steve Clarke's thoughts.

Stewart scored his sixth Premiership goal of the season - in just his 11th appearance - as Falkirk snatched a 1-1 draw at Pittodrie on Saturday.

"His all-round game has been top-notch," Craigan said.

"He's a real poacher, he's only 21 years of age and he puts himself between the goals and searches out chances.

"The number of goals he taps in - he's always alert. You're not always in the right place by lack. He has that knack.

"I think he will go for big money in the summer. There's probably other people ahead of him [for the national team], but if you're wanting someone raw, who has a goal in them and you're Scotland manager, you have a look at him."

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Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

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Jerome Prior - Livingston

Five saves at Easter Road are unlikely to save Livingston's season, but they brought a clean sheet and a point nonetheless.

Warren O'Hora - Hibernian

Another solid showing from the centre-back and a clean sheet.

Kieran Tierney - Celtic

His character and class continues to help keep Celtic fighting for a league and cup double.

Michael Schjonning-Larsen - Kilmarnock

A huge goal against Hearts from the Estonian international to earn his Kilmarnock side a massive three points in their fight against relegation, and throw a massive spanner in the works of the Hearts title tilt.

Luca Stephenson - Dundee United

A brilliant, brave back-post header looked like it would give Dundee United all three points in the derby, but it wasn't to be.

Alex Gogic - St Mirren

If any player ever deserved the classic football hard man head bandage it's Alex Gogic. But the Cyprus international goes the extra mile.

With blood erupting from his head after a clash with a team-mate, there was no bandage required. Instead it took staples to stem the flow, topped off by a massive dollop of Vaseline. What a warrior.

He must be the most old-school player in the Premiership, and we love him for it. Great defensively against Rangers.

Nico Raskin - Rangers

Full of energy in the hurly-burly of midfield in poor conditions in Paisley. He delivered the assist for the vital goal.

Tuur Rommens - Rangers

Got high up the field to decisive effect as he sealed a big three points for Rangers.

Yang Hyun-Jun - Celtic

Two goals in a huge game to sink Motherwell. That is now six goals since Christmas for the South Korean international.

Barney Stewart - Falkirk

The young striker is brimming with belief after graduating to Premiership football. 16 goals now in all competitions for the 21-year-old - albeit half of them while on loan at Championship Dunfermline. Four goals in his last 3 games, huge potential.

Findlay Curtis - Kilmarnock

Has brought a bit of X-factor to the Kilmarnock attack. Looks like a player who can ignite things for the Rugby Park side as they fight to get out of the play-off spot.

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Dundee United midfielder Craig Sibbald is set to return to Falkirk next season when his contract at Tannadice expires (Daily Record)., external

Stephen Robinson's debut as Dons manager ends in a 1-1 draw with Falkirk at Pittodrie.

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Stephen Robinson's departure has naturally led to speculation about who might be his successor as St Mirren manager.

Our reporter Chick Young said on Saturday's Sportsound programme that former Buddies midfielder Stephen McGinn is one name being considered by the board.

The 37-year-old, speaking on Sky Sports before St Mirren's match against Rangers, did not rule out taking the job, but admits his first-team coaching role under John McGlynn at Falkirk "would be a lot to walk away from".

He says it has "been a whirlwind with all the noise" on social media that has "came from nowhere" following Robinson's exit to Aberdeen.

"I always wanted to be a manager but wanted to learn my trade," McGinn said.

The former midfielder had two spells with the Buddies as a player, scoring 15 goals in 201 appearances for the club.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Falkirk striker Barney Stewart says he finally believes he belongs at the top level of Scottish football.

The 21-year-old netted an 89th minute equaliser in the Bairns' 1-1 Premiership draw at Aberdeen on Saturday.

Stewart, who spent the first half of the campaign on loan at Championship Dunfermline, has now scored a total of 16 goals this season.

It has been a remarkable rise for a player who arrived at Falkirk last term from East of Scotland League First Division side Heriot-Watt University.

"I think last season I wasn't really sure of myself if I deserved or belonged to be in the SPFL," he said.

"With the right people around you, the right leadership in the changing room, right managerial staff and obviously the right people around you outside of football I think it really spurred me on and let me really believe that I do deserve to be here.

"I think there are still a lot of areas in my game that I need to touch up on a little bit.

"But that will come especially with the right people around me, like I have got Brian [Graham] to learn off. He is always talking to me on the pitch when he came on, that was our first time on the pitch together.

"I am always trying to look to pick up little things that I can add to my game and hopefully it is starting to all come together."

Stephen Robinson's debut as Aberdeen head coach was ruined by an 88th-minute Falkirk equaliser, but John McGlynn's side will have to wait to have their Scottish Premiership top-six place confirmed.

Read the match report here.

Let us know your thoughts.

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Falkirk manager John McGlynn told BBC Scotland: "It's a fair result overall, don't think there was much in it and no one did enough to win it.

"They pressed very well, we expected that. We knew they'd run harder. That's where the mistake came from. It cost us a goal. Scott has saved us on many occasions.

"We showed great character and mentality to score the equaliser. A great ball in from Ethan Ross and a great header from Barney so I'm delighted to go down the road with a point.

"They worked harder and ran harder than they have done in a number of weeks. That is credit to them. Maybe we're just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

"We're satisfied with a point considering we were a goal behind with not very long to go. The players kept going, the subs made a difference. Barney was a constant threat all day. Delighted for him to get another goal.

"We played some nice stuff at times and we were pleased at that. Any point up here, normally, is a good point. We've taken seven point from nine against Aberdeen and that's good going.

"[Barney] has been a revelation. Scored eight goals for Dunfermline and now, a good few for us. He's been amazing and long may it continue."

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Aberdeen defender Nicky Devlin (knee) could miss out again, while Mats Knoester (concussion), Kristers Tobers (knee) and Nick Suman (ankle) remain out.

Falkirk welcome Gary Oliver back from injury, but Kyrell Wilson (ankle) joins Ben Parkinson (ankle), Ross MacIver and Louis Marsh (thigh) on the sidelines.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Falkirk midfielder Dylan Tait says he is enjoying playing some of the best football of his career this season.

Tait has formed a strong partnership with Brad Spencer and netted seven goals this term, including three in the Premiership.

John McGlynn's side have impressed on their return to the top flight and can confirm a top-six spot with victory at Aberdeen on Saturday.

Tait, 24, said: "Learning every day, working with the manager and playing against the best players in the league has helped.

"I think I've probably adapted my game and I'd say I'm a more all-round player now.

"Learning defensively was probably one thing I always wanted to get better at, and score more goals.

"This is the most goals I've scored in a season so hopefully I can score a few more between now and the end of the season and keep kicking on.

"I played with Brad when I was a bit younger at Raith Rovers before I left to go into Hibs and I had a partnership with him then.

"Since I've come back and played with him we work really well for each other and we know how each other play. I love playing with Brad and I love working with the manager so that's really good."

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• Kevin Nisbet has scored five goals in his past three home league games; the last player to score in four successive home league appearances for Aberdeen was Bojan Miovski in October 2022.

• Falkirk have alternated between defeat (four) and victory (three) in their past seven away league games, losing 1-0 at Hearts last time out. Indeed, the Bairns haven't had the same result in two successive Scottish Premiership away matches yet in 2025-26.

• Aberdeen have won just one of their past 13 Scottish Premiership matches (D2 L10), a 6-2 win over bottom side Livingston in January. Since the first game in this run (3-1 defeat to Celtic on December 21st), they would be bottom of the table in the division, below Livingston on goals scored.

• Falkirk have won four of their past five league games against Aberdeen (L1), including two so far this season, both 1-0 wins in August and January.

• Aberdeen have only lost one of their past 13 home league games against newly-promoted opponents (W7 D5), although that was to Falkirk in August of this season (1-0).

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Falkirk boss John McGlynn says the fan disorder at last week's Old Firm match has set Scottish football back "30 or 40 years".

Celtic fans initially spilled on to the pitch in celebration after a 4-2 win on penalties in the Scottish Cup quarter-final at Ibrox before some Rangers supporters charged towards them.

Flares were thrown as police and stewards formed a barricade to separate the two groups of supporters. Nine people have been arrested in connection with the violent scenes that resulted in injuries to police officers, stewards and members of the public.

McGlynn says he feels it's a sad moment for the Scottish game when there has been so much to enjoy about this season.

"It doesn't paint a very nice picture," he said.

"It's a beautiful game, it's so cold, but there's nothing much beautiful about it.

"The game itself wasn't a great game of football and what happened afterwards, and by all accounts maybe what happened before, and all the rest of it, it's really taken us back maybe 30 or 40 years to Hampden and police horses on pitches and all that type of thing.

"It's sad. I'm football, I bleed football as you know, and it's not nice."

McGlynn hopes when Falkirk meet Dunfermline in the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden in a few weeks there are no incidents between fans who have clashed in the past.

"I'm obviously concerned because there's bad blood between Falkirk and Dunfermline," he said.

"I'm just hoping that our game goes along and the football does the talking and there's no nonsense."

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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John McGlynn has been speaking to the media before Falkirk visit Aberdeen in the Premiership this weekend.

Here are the key lines:

• McGlynn says the crowd trouble that marred last weekend's Old Firm match has set Scottish football back "30 or 40 years".

• He hopes when Falkirk take on Dunfermline in the Scottish Cup semi-final the fans of both teams behave.

• The Bairns boss adds: "I'm obviously concerned because there's bad blood between Falkirk and Dunfermline. I'm just hoping the football does the talking and there's no nonsense."

• On weekend opponents Aberdeen appointing Stephen Robinson, McGlynn says the Northern Irishman has a "phenomenal" record and will be a success at Pittodrie, adding the only surprise is it took almost three months to appoint him.

• The Bairns have no fresh injury concerns for the game.

Falkirk striker Brian Graham admits taking his 10-year-old son to his first Old Firm game was one of the worst decisions of his life, describing the scenes at the end as "absolutely horrific". (Clyde 1 Superscoreboard), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Grant Heaney
Fan writer

Every time I think the journey we Falkirk fans have been on over the past three seasons can't possibly get any better, it somehow does.

Last Friday night was the latest chapter in our remarkable resurgence as we saw off Dundee United to book a Scottish Cup semi-final spot at Hampden.

An invincible season, back-to-back promotions and now a top-six finish in sight, capped with a visit to the National Stadium - these past three years have been nothing short of surreal for us Bairns, exceeding even our wildest dreams.

Of course, this isn't our first trip to Hampden under John McGlynn. It often gets forgotten the gaffer got us there in his first season, but back then Falkirk were still emerging from the shadows of our darkest days in League One.

Now, with the club thriving on and off the pitch, we'll be ready to meet our latest challenge at Mount Florida head-on.

Facing our old rivals Dunfermline only adds to the occasion. It raises the stakes, cranks up the tension and makes this semi-final a truly mouthwatering prospect for everyone involved.

Let's hope we can rewrite the script of 2009 and secure another memorable success against the Pars at Hampden.

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Falkirk have handed Nicky Hogarth a two-year contract extension despite the goalkeeper only playing four times this season.

The 24-year-old, who is now contracted until June 2028, made 44 appearances last season as John McGlynn's side won the Scottish Championship title but has been mainly on the bench since Scott Bain's summer arrival from Celtic.

But McGlynn praised "top goalkeeper and top professional" Hogarth's work ethic as one of the first to arrive at training and one of the last to leave.

"He's learned a lot this year, albeit while not playing so much, but when he has played, he's done very, very well," the manager told Falkirk's website.

"He's shown everyone that he is more than capable of playing in the Premiership. He's learned a lot working with Scott Bain this season and he's completely committed to the football club.

"It's a big statement for us, because he's a young goalkeeper who still wants to go and play. He's going to fight for a place and he'll be ready to step in whenever he's called upon."

Falkirk-born Hogarth, who joined the Bairns from Nottingham Forest's youth team in 2023 and whose contract was due to expire this summer, added: "Being from the area and knowing what this club means to the supporters makes it really special to represent Falkirk.

"I've loved my time here so far and I feel like we've achieved some great things already. I want to keep improving."