John McGlynn recalls 'critical' Scottish Cup semi-final run that saved Falkirk ahead of Hearts trip

It’s incredible to think that taking a third-tier team to Hampden for a Scottish Cup semi-final could somehow be overlooked.

But with back-to-back SPFL title triumphs - including an invincible season and a return to top-flight football after a 15-year absence - coming straight after John McGlynn’s first campaign as Falkirk boss, the final four run achieved by that initial group of players can be easily glossed over.

In the end, the Falkirk fanbase suffered more frustration and horror after a complete capitulation against Airdrieonians in the promotion play-offs. And that led to another season of Scottish League One football for still full-time Falkirk - which was only made possible due to the financial boost to the Bairns’ coffers from the Scottish Cup run. And well the rest is history.

Ahead of Saturday night’s trip to Tynecastle to play Hearts in the fourth round as a fellow Scottish Premiership club, McGlynn recalled just how that Scottish Cup semi-final run back in season 2022/23 shaped the Bairns’ future success.

Scottish Cup run ‘saved’ Falkirk from ruin

“The foundations were laid in that first season, and it’s how we have managed to get to where we are now,” he told the Falkirk Herald. “It was a huge disappointment not to get up on our first attempt but there was so much work to get done across the club in a short space of time. The Scottish Cup semi-final run saved the football club. It brought in a lot of money and it saved the club. It was an amazing run. It would be nice to go on another run but you have to beat the best somewhere along the line and we have that first up with Hearts who are top of the top league.

“The first year was a huge transitional period, but the cup run was massive for the football club. I actually didn't realise how critical the situation was. But that was a foundation for what came after it, which was an invincible League One-winning campaign then the Championship-winning season and now where we find ourselves this campaign, sitting sixth in the Premiership. The cup run was great. We didn’t get much luck in the semi-final! I can still remember the early penalty for handball.”

It’s hard to point any fingers at McGlynn’s record as Falkirk boss. It’s remarkable really. But if you had to pick something out - the two Scottish Cup campaigns after that first year have been disappointing. The Bairns haven’t reached round five since, with the Bonnyrigg Rose ‘pitch-gate’ exit and the Raith Rovers reversal at home two sore ones.

And the ex-Hearts gaffer admits that being drawn away to his former club - who are flying high and have won their last two matches despite going to ten men - isn’t the ideal scenario for bucking Falkirk’s Scottish Cup trend of late. But he does sense that Derek McInnes would have hoped for an easier tie too. With a packed away end expected in the Roseburn Stand, McGlynn says his side will go out to attack the Tynecastle title contenders.

John McGlynn: Hearts tie not easy but we’ll attack them

“It wasn’t the ideal draw!,” he said. “But at the same time, I think Hearts could have got an easier draw as well. They'll be treating us seriously. They are playing particularly well right now. We know the challenge ahead. Their mentality and togetherness and spirit is unquestionable. You can’t play with ten men for two games in a row and win both otherwise. They’ve scored so many worldies against us too!

“We go out to attack every game and this game will be no different. We're very much looking forward to the game. We feel we can cause an upset. Our last three performances have been excellent and the guys are now totally believing in themselves. It's a bit of a relief not to be playing a league game too. It's nice to have a Scottish Cup tie, something different. It's going to take a huge effort. But if we can all pull together, as we have been doing, then we can pull off a bit of a shock. We believe that.

“If we can get through the opening period and very much be in the game, cause a little bit of a threat, get a few goal attempts, maybe even go in front, then the atmosphere changes completely. It would be going in our favour. It goes against Hearts. That's what we've got to get to. We've got to avoid the situation we did out here, whereupon, boom, Hearts scored a goal after two minutes from very little.”

McGlynn also confirmed that Falkirk have no new injury concerns ahead of Saturday night’s match, which kicks-off off at 8pm and is being broadcast live on Premier Sports.