The coach's hunch was confirmed this week when the Scotland international centre-half signed a pre-contract agreement with Hearts which will see him move to Tynecastle in June when his current Falkirk contract expires.

It ends weeks of speculation about the player's future after he was linked to moves to Aberdeen, Hibs and even First Division leaders Dundee.

The consolation for the club is that the player did not leave during the January transfer window, perhaps because none of the clubs involved could come up with the cash for a transfer fee.

But, despite the confirmation that his future lies elsewhere, May says Barr remains fully committed to the club he joined as a youngster as they bid to get away from the SPL relegation zone.

"I knew Darren was always going to leave at the end of the season," said May. "He was made various contract offers and turned them all down and seemed willing to let his current deal run out at the end of the season. He did not do that for no reason.

"It was obvious that he was going to play his football somewhere else after the summer, the only question was where. That has now been answered and we can all move on."

There is no doubting in May's mind, though, that his skipper is focusing his immediate attention on improving Falkirk's current league standing.

"Darren has made his decision but that does not change his attitude. He remains committed to this football club and will be a key player for us for the remainder of the season."