Joining the U19s set-up in time for pre-season will be Sean Fraser from English Championship club Coventry City.

The 17-year-old is a midfielder and formerly captain of Reading FC's Academy. He has signed a one-year deal with the club. And Academy spokesperson Ross Wilson told Heraldsport that he was someone they had been monitoring for some time.

"I am thrilled to welcome Sean to the club," he said. "He spent two periods training with us in the last six weeks, took part in a bounce game and has looked very impressive.

"Sean is a player we have been aware of for a while and has spent most of this season training with the Coventry first team squad.

"He had offers to play first team football in leagues one and two in England, so we are delighted that he has decided to come to Falkirk.

"Sean will start playing with the U19s but we expect him to step up to the reserves and also start pushing on the door of the first team in
the future."

Ross was also hopeful of announcing another new arrival at the Academy
next week.

"He is an internationalist, plays in the Championship and is a similar
type of player to Sean so we would be delighted if we could secure that signing before next week," he said.

Meanwhile, the U19s played their final game of the season on Saturday and recorded an 3-1 victory away to Kilmarnock.

It means the young Bairns ended the season in fifth place, which was their second top finish in the last three seasons.

"It was a very good performance for the lads and on another week we would have won by a significantly bigger margin," said Ross.

"And although results are not everything at this level it was a fantastic achievement to secure a high finish in the SPL, above big teams in Scotland such as Celtic and Aberdeen.

"All credit to the players for taking us to this level – it caps a great season for the boys after they also reached the semi-final of the SFA Youth Cup."

The side secured three points through a double from Blair Young and a strike from hitman Paul Sludden.

"Paul was a bit disappointed as he felt he could have scored a hat-trick," said Ross. "If he had scored one more goal that would have made him the outright top goalscorer in the league, but he has to share that award with Mark Cowan of Hearts.

"However, it is still an excellent achievement. He has shown great form throughout the season and been a fantastic finisher from anywhere in or around the box."

He went on: "Blair does not have a high scoring record, but when he does score they are usually crackers, and they were again on Saturday, so I am pleased he has finished the season on a high."

The match also proved to be the last game for those whose contracts have now expired.

"It is sad these players are leaving but we never forget them at Falkirk and always keep in touch," added Ross.

"Already we have had some enquires from other clubs and I have no doubt that some will go on to have a fine career in the game."