Latest news with #FalkirkFC
The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Scotland's future is uncertain. But then so is the here and now
At the same time, many in the mischievous media exaggerate the transient. Who is up, who is down? What is new, what is demanding attention? Always eager to hasten to the next caravanserai. This week, by contrast, there was a glance towards the longer term. Where are we going with our NHS, our services, our fiscal structure? What, an Edinburgh conference asked, will Scotland look like in 2050? Now, even adopting such a perspective may be viewed as courageous, given the perils currently confronting our planet. As Israel and Iran trade missiles, as President Trump ponders, it may seem rash to contemplate anything other than our collective survival. However, we cannot live that way. We cannot flee for the sanctuary of a dark corner whenever Donald J. Trump turns into King Lear: confused and uncertain yet insisting that he is the terror of the earth. And so it is entirely right to cast an eye ahead. However it may appear at first glance that there is a faintly futile tinge to the entire endeavour. Consider. In 1920, did the ravaged continent of Europe discern that, by 1945, they would have endured a second, bloody conflict? They did not. More prosaically, in 1980, did we know that the passing of a further quarter century would lead to a transformation in Information Technology and the creation of a Scottish Parliament? We did not. Yet contemplate a little more deeply. Were not the roots of the Second World War seeded in the aftermath of the First World War? The constraints and financial reparations understandably imposed upon Germany – but resented by their emerging, deadly leader? Read more Brian Taylor Do the Scottish Conservatives have any reason to exist? This is a set-back and an opportunity for the SNP - which one will they embrace? Brian Taylor: The fundamental battle which unites Donald Trump and Nigel Farage And the more modern period? Were there not early prequels for the 21st century information revolution? Further, here in Scotland, was not the cause of Scottish self-government measurably advanced in the wake of the election of Margaret Thatcher in 1979? In short, when we purport to look into the future, we are in reality studying present-day conditions. We are examining how reform might generate a steady transformation which would emerge over that longer period. It is a way of urging impatient voters and the mischievous media to cut a little slack for our elected tribunes. It is about the future, yes, but viewed through the prism of the present. In the context of reform, there was much talk this week about reviving thoughts advanced by the commission on public services, ably chaired by the late and decidedly great Campbell Christie. I recall Campbell for his intellect, his humour, his baffling devotion to Falkirk FC, his fierce competitiveness at golf – and his determination to work with all and sundry to make Scotland a better place. In 2011, his commission urged Scotland to embrace 'empowerment, integration, efficiency and prevention' in transforming the public sector. This week, Ivan McKee, Scotland's Public Finance Minister, set out a programme of reforms and savings – with an explicit nod to those earlier endeavours by the Christie team. Mr McKee is a key figure in the Scottish Government, returning to office alongside his close ally, Kate Forbes. Both advocate a focus upon efficiency – and, perhaps above all, economic growth. In doing so, they are most certainly aligned with the instincts and aims of the First Minister. Now John Swinney displayed another intuitive tendency in his forward-looking remarks this week. His solution to the entrenched problems confronting Scotland? It lay, you will be astonished to learn, with independence. So shifting attention back to independence, rather than the day-to-day concerns of the voters? Was this a U-turn? Not really, no. Indeed, I suspect too much can be made of this apparent change. Firstly, Mr Swinney is a believer, a fervent Nationalist. He yearns for independence. Secondly, he leads a party which contains many whose fervour is undimmed by minor matters such as convincing others. Thirdly, there is an SNP National Council this weekend. Enough, Brian. Away with cynicism. I believe John Swinney is simply sustaining his dual strategy. He feels a little more liberated to advance the option of independence – while simultaneously concentrating for the most part on the anxieties of the people, such as the cost of living and the health service. John Swinney (Image: PA) In short, his attention is drawn by the here and now, even as he offers a potential vision of the future. His opponents are similarly grounded. Labour's Anas Sarwar, for example, glanced forward and concluded that the SNP were only offering 'managed decline.' Still, futurology can be a source of innocent merriment. What might we favour? Ivan McKee is surely right to suggest public services which prioritise customers rather than producers, which share information and thus resources. But how about the health service? The current system is simply unsustainable, unaffordable. Do you see that nurse gesturing to you? That health worker is not waving but drowning. We have to cut waste – but also overall demand. Perhaps, as the Health Secretary Neil Gray suggested, that can be done in part by an emphasis on prevention. However, that will undoubtedly take time – which ministers facing elections do not have. Politically, Mr Swinney's focus will be upon ensuring that the stats are going in the right direction. Education? Our economy, our society, both need the acquisition of useful skills. I recall my school textbook entitled 'Physics is Fun!' This proved to be a brazen lie. However, physics is vital, along with tricky stuff like maths, literature and French irregular verbs. Our universities are struggling financially. But, as they reform, they must maintain the objective of excellence. If they are truly to be world-class, as Scotland advertises, then they must aspire to the very highest standards. And the economy itself? We need growth and prosperity. We need an environmental drive, including renewables, which does not shut down our industry and agriculture. The future? Simple really. Brian Taylor is a former political editor for BBC Scotland and a columnist for The Herald. He cherishes his family, the theatre – and Dundee United FC
BBC News
5 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Falkirk need 'solid spine' with 'top-flight experience'
We asked for your views on what Falkirk's priorities should be in this summer's transfer what some of you said:Fraser: We need a couple of defenders and a midfielder. Former bairn Murray Wallace is out of contract at Millwall. He'd be good to bring back. Could do with a left-back too such as Stephen Kingsley, and while we're at it might as well bring Jay Fulton home as well!Ryan: We need a solid spine that has experience of Premiership football. A new centre-half, centre-midfielder and another striker to compliment Brian Graham. Also feel an upgrade at left-back is needed for us to The key thing we are going to need to survive the season and most importantly stay up is depth, we need to get some centre-backs brought in as Coll Donaldson and Tom Lang are a bit injury prone and also need to add some midfield depth. Should we lose Brad Spencer to injury at any point this season we could be in real trouble in midfield, but in general strength in depth will be We likely need a centre-half to maintain depth after Luke Graham has returned to Dundee, though would like him back! We could do with another central midfielder, again mostly for depth. Most importantly we need some experience to add to the mix, the lads have been phenomenal the last couple of seasons but next season is another Now need another centre-back and midfielder to complete an upgrade to the spine of the team. Some of our youngsters will go out on loan. John McGlynn gets more right than he gets We have signed Scott Bain and Brian Graham which is decent, still think we need a couple more, central defender, Luke Graham, who we had on loan last season would be cracking plus a central midfielder with Premiership Luke Graham was excellent for us last season but he was only on loan from Dundee and has gone back to his parent club. With only three central defenders in the squad, Donaldson, Liam Henderson and Lang, we will need to add to strengthen our options in this Falkirk need a strong experienced centre-half and need to hang on to all of their current squad, including Spencer.
BBC News
6 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
'Ambitious' Falkirk will embrace top-flight challenge
Falkirk are "under no illusions about how difficult" their top-flight return will be, but the newly-promoted side are relishing the challenge, says defender Coll John McGlynn has led the club back to the Scottish Premiership following back-to-back league triumphs in the third tier and the "steep rise", centre-back Donaldson, who is aiming to be back for the League Cup group games following surgery at the end of last term, is determined McGlynn's "ambitious" side can "add something" to the division."It's going to be a huge challenge obviously," he told BBC Scotland. "We've gone from League One to the Premiership very, very quickly, so we're under no illusions about how difficult a task it's going to be."But we're really, really excited for it. It's the reward of two seasons of real success that now you get to go and play in the top league in Scotland."So as much as we know it's going to be a very difficult task, we're really looking forward to it and we think we can add something to the league."
BBC News
6 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
What do Falkirk need in transfer window?
The transfer window has reopened for business for the remainder of the have already been active, securing the experience of goalkeeper Scott Bain and striker Brian Graham for their return to the Scottish is there still an area of the squad that needs improving, or certain players you are desperate to see sign? Or maybe holding on to a key player is the biggest priority? And what about departures? Should the club be looking to move anybody on?Send us your thoughts
BBC News
13-06-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Veteran striker Graham switches Thistle for Bairns
Falkirk have signed "one of the hardest working strikers" in Brian Graham, as the veteran forward joins on a one-year 37-year-old scored 21 goals in all competitions last season for Scottish Championship side Partick Thistle and has over 220 goals in his 18-year is the second time John McGlynn has signed Graham, having previously done so in 2011 with Raith Rovers, and Graham said he "couldn't say no" to working with the manager again."Brian's had an amazing career and it's a credit to him and the way he's look after himself that he's still one of the hardest working strikers going about," McGlynn told club media."He has the natural instincts of a top striker, he's in the right place at the right time, he knows the position inside out and with the number of crosses we put in the box, I'm sure there's plenty more goals to come."Brian is a winner, he is very determined individual and his experience at this level will be important to the team. "I've said we needed Premiership experience and physicality, and Brian brings both of those in abundance."The former Hibernian forward has 25 goals in 96 top-flight appearances with Dundee United, St Johnstone and Ross County."The opportunity to work with John McGlynn again was one I couldn't say no to," the former Partick Thistle women's manager said. "You can see how well the players and staff have done here over the last two years with back-to-back promotions, and it's a chance for myself to get back and play in the Premiership as well."It's up to me now to work hard, get the head down, and get myself in the team. With the wide players here, I know for a fact I'm going to get chances to score goals and I'm really looking forward to getting started."
