[FM20] Stuniverse's FM20 Adventure

[kidthekid]

Seems like it's a database error. Ambrose has been in Scotland for so many years, he should be a British citizen by now.

[Stuniverse]

5 minutes ago, kidthekid said:

Seems like it's a database error. Ambrose has been in Scotland for so many years, he should be a British citizen by now.

Here's what's set for Efe Ambrose in the pre-game editor.

Although I don't know what the requirement is to become a British citizen.

[kidthekid]

I think it's 5 years. I don't know if the laws have changed. I know that in real life, he was able to join Hibs without needing a work permit, a few months after the Blackburn move failed because of a work permit, as he hadn't been in Scotland for 5 years at the time.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 7th August 2021

Pre-match v Livingston (a) - Ladbrokes Premiership (2)

Match Preview

BairnsNews: How are you feeling ahead of your first away match in the Premiership?

Stuniverse: All away games are difficult and I'm expecting Premiership ones to be even more so. That said, Livingston finished 10th last season, one place above the relegation playoff spot, so it'll be a good test of where we're at. We performed well against Ross County last time out, have worked hard in training this week, and we're ready to give it our best shot.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Alan Forrest (hip)

Doubtful:
Calum Macdonald (ankle-90)

BairnsNews: Any changes today?

Stuniverse: No. We played very well against Ross County and I felt the players deserved to keep their shirts and go again today.

Post-match: Livingston (0) 0-0 (0) Falkirk

BairnsNews: I've covered every match you've managed at Falkirk and I can't remember a nil-nil draw before.

Stuniverse: You know... I think you may be right... I can't recall one either. For a goalless draw, it was quite an entertaining game. Both teams created a lot of chances but neither of us had the killer instinct to beat the goalkeeper and put the ball in the back of the net. I thought we had more shots on target, and made their goalkeeper Ross Stewart work harder than Robert Sanchez did in our goal. I guess it was one of those games where both defences were on top.

BairnsNews: At least you're unbeaten after two Premiership matches. Does that give you confidence ahead of two home matches against Celtic?

Stuniverse: I'm satisfied with four points from two games. Maybe we could've won today, but equally we could've lost, so a draw was probably a fair result. Celtic will represent a completely different challenge for us in the next two games.

Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates.

Edited February 11, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

54 minutes ago, kidthekid said:

I think it's 5 years. I don't know if the laws have changed. I know that in real life, he was able to join Hibs without needing a work permit, a few months after the Blackburn move failed because of a work permit, as he hadn't been in Scotland for 5 years at the time.

Efe Ambrose isn’t getting any younger and was going to lose his place to Barry Maguire at some point this season, at which point I'd have been looking to move him on any way. And now we have Wallace Duffy as well.

Edited February 11, 2020 by Stuniverse

[kingjericho]

Duffy looks great. Although he is not the tallest or the quickest, other attributes can cover those weaknesses.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 14 August 2021

Pre-match v Celtic (H) - Betfred Cup, Second Round

Match Preview

BairnsNews: This is your first match against one of the big boys this season, and not just any old big boy, the biggest in Scottish football. How do you go about preparing for a match against Celtic?

Stuniverse: Well we've prepared the same way we prepare for any game, it's just that Celtic have a lot more strengths and hardly any weaknesses compared to other teams. All we can do is give it our best shot and see how we get on.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Wallace Duffy (cup-tied)
Alan Forrest (hip)

Doubtful:
Calum Macdonald (ankle-90)
Georgie Kelly (calf-90)

BairnsNews: You've made two changes that suggest a change of approach today?

Stuniverse: Yes, I've changed both wide-men with Charlie Telfer and Ethan Hamilton coming in for Anthony McDonald and Lewis Smith. As for a change of approach, you'll have to wait and see.

Post-match: Falkirk (1) 2-1 (0) Celtic

BairnsNews: Congratulations. Not only did you compete with Celtic today, you beat them!

Stuniverse: I know. The players are beaming like Cheshire Cats and, you know what, they deserved it. In every area of the game they worked so hard and showed an incredible commitment and desire. Adam Idah gave us the lead from the penalty spot. Celtic equalised not long after the restart, but we didn't let our heads drop at all. The players kept going and Charlie Telfer grabbed the headlines with the winning goal.

BairnsNews: Lennon made a lot of changes and played a weaker side against you. Was that disrespectful?

Stuniverse: I ddn't take it that way. No. Neil's entitled to pick whatever team he wants and, don't forget, Celtic had just played Basel away in the Champions Cup.

BairnsNews: Hamilton went off injured early. How is he?

Stuniverse: Ethan's got a pulled groin, we think. Our medical team expect him to be out about a week.

Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates.

Edited February 13, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 15 August 2021

DONS V BAIRNS - ALL-PREMIERSHIP QUARTER-FINAL

BairnsNews: Aberdeen will host Falkirk in the Quarter-Final of the Betfred Cup.

 

Edited February 13, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 21st August 2021

Pre-match v Celtic (H) - Ladbrokes Premiership (3)

Match Preview

BairnsNews: You beat Celtic in the Betfred Cup, can you win again in the Premiership?

Stuniverse: It would be nice to think we could, but I suspect Neil [Lennon] will pick his best players this time around which will make it a much tougher challenge for us today. Not only that, they'll be well rested.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Alan Forrest (hip)

Doubtful:
Efe Ambrose (groin-90)
Ethan Hamilton (groin-90)
Georgie Kelly (thigh-90)

BairnsNews: You've had a few injury problems to deal with this week, haven't you?

Stuniverse: Yes. Ethan Hamilton picked up a groin problem against Celtic last time out so Craig Sibbald starts. Efe Ambrose also had a groin issue in training and Georgie Kelly has a thigh problem. The other change sees Steven Boyd come in for Jahmal Hector-Ingram.

Post-match: Falkirk (1) 1-3 (2) Celtic

BairnsNews: You suffered your first defeat of the season, but for 70 odd minutes you gave Celtic a good game.

Stuniverse: Yes, we did. Celtic took the lead, only for Charlie Telfer to equalise for us. At 1-1 it was anybody's game, but they were ahead before the break, and killed the game in the second-half with a third goal. Overall, I thought we gave as good as we got and there wasn't much in it. Celtic were more clinical and ruthless in front of goal than us. That was the main difference today. I'm proud of my players, even though we got nil points.

Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates.

Edited February 13, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Sunday 29th August 2021

Pre-match v Hibernian (a) - Ladbrokes Premiership (4)

Match Preview

BairnsNews: You've started the season with a win, a draw, and a defeat. Hibs are 3rd having won two and lost one. How confident are you ahead of your trip to Easter Road?

Stuniverse: We're as confident as we can be. The defeat against Celtic was disappointing, but we've only lost once in eight competitive games this season, and that gives us confidence. Hibs  finished third last season, so we know it's going to be a difficult game, but that's why we worked so hard over the last two seasons to be playing in games like these. I know the players are determined and will do their best.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Alan Forrest (hip)

Doubtful:
Efe Ambrose (groin-90)
Steven Boyd (knee-90)
Ethan Hamilton (gashed leg-90)
Georgie Kelly (thigh-90)

BairnsNews: Two changes.

Stuniverse: Yes. Calum Macdonald for Jordan Marshall at left-back, and Jahmal Hector-Ingram returns up front for Steven Boyd (knee).

Post-match: Hibernian (0) 2-2 (0) Falkirk

BairnsNews: Unlucky. You were so close to a famous victory.

Stuniverse: Yes, we were, but them's the breaks I suppose. Hibs are a very, very good team and at Easter Road they showed us why. At times, they were running rings around us, but we stuck to the task, made life difficult for them, and we were always in with a shout. It was unfortunate that Tom Grivosti completely missed his header allowing Bright Enobakhare to run clear for their first goal. We pushed forward more after that and got our reward with two goals in quick succession through Adam Idah and Lewis Smith. Then Adam had a great chance for 3-1, but he put it wide. We were hanging on at the end and, unfortunately, we weren't able to see the game out as Enobakhare grabbed his brace for a late, late equaliser. Overall, given how impressive Hibs were, a draw was probably a fair result, but it hurts badly knowing we were seconds away from winning the game.

BairnsNews: You've played four Premiership fixtures now, including matches against last season's Champions and 3rd-placed teams. How does the standard compare to the Championship?

Stuniverse: There's a definite step-up in quality and then some, but we've also shown that this squad has more than enough about us to compete at this level. 

Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates.

Edited February 14, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 30 August 2021

FALKIRK - SEPTEMBER FIXTURES

BairnsNews: In September, Falkirk will play three Premiership matches against teams below them in the league table, plus the Betfred Cup Quarter-Final at Aberdeen.

Edited February 14, 2020 by Stuniverse

[JaytheGreat]

  Well Rome wasn't built in a day and neither is Falkirk, but it must make you confident going forward that you can hang with the big dogs of the league. 

[Stuniverse]

4 hours ago, JaytheGreat said:

  Well Rome wasn't built in a day and neither is Falkirk, but it must make you confident going forward that you can hang with the big dogs of the league. 

I’m satisfied with our start to the season, @JaytheGreat. If you include our Betfred Cup run to the QFs,, we’ve played nine competitive games (six against SPL teams) and only lost once.

We are 7th currently, a position that I’d gladly accept after 33 games as it would put us top of the bottom half going into the league split and last five games of the season. 

I’m not getting too excited over the cup win against Celtic as it was effectively Celtic reserves. The away draw at Hibs, being seconds away from winning, is more encouraging, albeit we rode our luck a bit on the day as Hibs were clearly the better side. What’s pleasing is that my slight change of system (still 4-4-2 but with a change of personnel out wide, going wide midfielders support, rather than wingers attack, plus a balanced rather than attacking approach) has made us more compact and harder to break down against the big boys.

Early days, but Ross County and Hamilton are both struggling and look like the early relegation contenders. We beat Hamilton away in the cup and beat Ross County at home in SPL.

Our next three SPL games will tell us a lot: Hamilton away, St. Johnstone Home, and Motherwell away. All three are currently below us in the SPL table. Three important games for us at this early stage of the season.

Edited February 14, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 1 September 2021

TRANSFER WINDOW CLOSES

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 1 September 2021

MONTHLY REPORTS

Manager Performance:

Finances:

Dynamics:

Edited February 14, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 8 September 2021

MULLIN SNAPPED UP BY FALKIRK

BairnsNews: Falkirk have snapped up 28 year-old right midfielder Josh Mullin on a free transfer following the expiry of his Ross County contract.

Edited February 14, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 11th September 2021

Pre-match v Hamilton Academical (a) - Ladbrokes Premiership (5)

Match Preview

BairnsNews: Hamilton are rock-bottom having lost their first four matches. You've already beaten them at The Fountain of Youth Stadium in the Betfred Cup, can you win again in the Premiership?

Stuniverse: I hope so. We thoroughly deserved to win the cup-tie. If we can reproduce the performance levels we produced in that game, I'm confident we can get another positive result.

Team Selection

Doubtful:
Alan Forrest (hip-45)
Aidan Connolly (calf-90)
Ethan Hamilton (gashed leg-90)

BairnsNews: Two changes.

Stuniverse: Yes. We're going to mix up the wide positions again for this game with Anthony McDonald and Lewis Smith coming in for Charlie Telfer and Craig Sibbald.

Post-match: Hamilton Academical (0) 1-2 (2) Falkirk

BairnsNews: You won, but Hamilton made it an interesting last half hour, didn't they?

Stuniverse: Yes. They did. We were 2-0 up, could've been three because Adam Idah put an early penalty wide, when they pulled one back in the second-half. It made for a nervous half-an-hour, but we kept our nerve and saw the game out for a win. Adam Idah, after great link play down the left-wing by Jahmal Hector-Ingram and Lewis Smith, put us ahead. Anthony McDonald headed home a Calum Macdonald cross for our second.

BairnsNews: You're up to 5th now.

Stuniverse: That's very satisfying, but we're only five games in and we have a lot of very difficult games still to play.

Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates.

Edited February 14, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 15 September 2021

LONGRIDGE INJURED

BairnsNews: Falkirk's 30 year-old winger Louis Longridge has picked up a hamstring injury that will keep him out for about a month.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 17 September 2021

MCKINNON PRAISES STUNIVERSE

BairnsNews: Falkirk's manager Stuniverse has been praised by Ray McKinnon, the manager he replaced at the Falkirk Stadium.

Edited February 15, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 18th September 2021

Pre-match v St Johnstone (H) - Ladbrokes Premiership (6)

Match Preview

BairnsNews: Something of a surprise with Ambrose coming back?

Stuniverse: Look, it is what it is. Efe Ambrose is an excellent player but it looks unlikely he'll get a work permit to remain here next season. Efe asked if we'd try and find another club for him but, unfortunately, we couldn't find any takers. Efe came to see me when the window closed and said he appreciated the efforts we'd made and he'd see what happened in January. Between now and then, Efe's too good a player to be not playing for us. His head's focussed now and it's time to get him involved again.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Louis Longridge (hamstring)

Doubtful:
Aidan Connolly (calf-90)
Lewis Smith (hamstring-90)
Chris Kane (ankle-90)
Josh Dacres-Cogley (calf-90)

BairnsNews: One other change.

Stuniverse: Yes, as well as Efe coming in for Tom Grivosti, Ethan Hamilton also plays in midfield, replacing Jason Holt.

Post-match: Falkirk (0) 0-0 (0) St Johnstone

BairnsNews: How frustrating was that?

Stuniverse: Very. One of the things we've noticed in the Premiership is that it's a lot harder to break teams down and score a goal, particularly when, like St Johnstone, they defend deep, with 10 men behind the ball at all times, and pack out their penalty area. We tried everything we could but were unable to get a goal.

Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates.

Edited February 15, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 21 September 2021

BAIRNS TAKEOVER SAGA - HERE WE GO AGAIN

BairnsNews: The will-he-sell-won't-he-sell saga of Bairns chairman Lex Miller continues with news that another consortium, led by a local investor, is about to make a bid for Falkirk Football club.

You have to feel for the fans. If true, this will be the sixth consortium that has made a firm bid during manager Stuniverse's tenure at the club, and if Miller imposes a transfer embargo it'll be the fourth embargo Stuniverse has had to deal with.

Edited February 16, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Wednesday 22nd September 2021

Pre-match v Aberdeen (a) - Betfred Cup, Quarter-Final

Match Preview

BairnsNews: We're hearing news that a consortium led by a local investor is on the verge of bidding for the club. What can you tell us?

Stuniverse: Nothing at all. You'll have to speak to Lex Miller about that... if you can find him.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Wallace Duffy (cup-tied)
Louis Longridge (hamstring)

Doubtful:
Robert Sanchez (ankle-90)
Aidan Connolly (calf-90)
Lewis Smith (hamstring-90)
Chris Kane (ankle-90)
Josh Dacres-Cogley (calf-90)

BairnsNews: It's another big Cup day for Falkirk and you have a lot of niggly injuries I understand.

Stuniverse: Yeah. Yes, we do. Our medical team are very busy dealing with mainly ankle, calf and hamstring injuries. At times this week, our medical room has looked more like A&E.

Three changes in all. Robbie Mutch plays in goal as Robert Sanchez has a bruised ankle. Aidan Connolly comes in for Lewis Smith (hamstring). Steven Boyd starts up front in place of Adam Idah.

Post-match: Aberdeen (0) 2-0 (0) Falkirk

BairnsNews: You must be disappointed to lose the way you did?

Stuniverse: Yeah, we are. We were holding in there, defending well under a lot of Aberdeen pressure, and Robbie Mutch showed what a good goalkeeper he is and how unlucky he is that Robert Sanchez usually keeps him on the bench. The first goal was unlucky from our perspective. They were attacking down the wing, TJ Eyoma made a superb sliding tackle on their winger but, unfortunately, the ball ran straight into the path of Sam Cosgrove who scored. After that, we tried to take the game to them, which isn't easy s they're a very good team at Pittodrie Stadium, created some chances, and got caught short at the back for their second as we chased the game late-on.

BairnsNews: You certainly tried everything you could as manager. I lost count of how many times you changed the system out there.

Stuniverse: I'm not sure I know how many times myself [laughs]. Let's think. In the first-half we started 4-4-2 Attacking but we couldn't get much going creatively so we changed to 4-4-2 Positive which gave us a foothold in the game. After they scored we went back to 4-4-2 Attacking and told our full-backs to attack. Then we tried 4-2-3-1 Attacking. Then 4-1-3-2 Attacking, then pushed to 4-1-3-2 Very Attacking, and we finished off pushing our full-backs even further forward as wing-backs 2-2(wide)-1-3-2 Very Attacking. We created some chances, but couldn't score, and then we got caught on the counter-attack right near the end.

BairnsNews: Hector-Ingram has now gone over ten hours without scoring a goal. Does that worry you?

Stuniverse: Of course, it does. Ideally, we want all our strikers scoring goals. We've had a word with Jahmal, and we're working on some things in training. We're confident he'll get a goal soon and then hopefully, he'll go on a run.

Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates.

Edited February 16, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 25th September 2021

Pre-match v Motherwell (a) - Ladbrokes Premiership (7)

Match Preview

BairnsNews: Who do you play today?

Stuniverse: Motherwell...

BairnsNews: Yes, thank you. She's very well.

Stuniverse: [Groan]. Don't try and be a comedian, it doesn't suit you.

BairnsNews: OK. Sorry. After defeat at Pittodrie Stadium in the Cup on Wednesday night, how do you approach this match at Fir Park today?

Stuniverse: At the risk of sounding like a stuck record we prepare the same way we prepare for any game. We've highlighted a few things, which we've worked on in training, and we go out there and do our jobs as best we can.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Louis Longridge (hamstring)

Doubtful:
Robert Sanchez (ankle-90)
Lewis Smith (hamstring-90)
Chris Kane (ankle-90)
Josh Dacres-Cogley (calf-90)

BairnsNews: Seven changes today.

Stuniverse: Yes. We played a tough game on Wednesday night and I thought the time was right to mix things up a bit. Chris Kane for Jahmal Hector-Ingram up front, also Adam Idah for Steven Boyd. In defence, Wallace Duffy for Barry Maguire and Jordan Marshall for Calum Macdonald. In midfield, Josh Mullin makes his debut, replacing Anthony McDonald as well as Craig Sibbald for Michael Tidser. Robert Sanchez returns in goal, although Robbie Mutch did well and is unfortunate to miss out.

Post-match: Motherwell (2) 2-3 (3) Falkirk 

BairnsNews: Talk about a game of two halves. What did you say to them at half-time?

Stuniverse: I'd love to take the plaudits on that one but, to be fair, it was mainly my assistant Jari Litmanen to be honest, Jari was truly inspiring, although I had my say as well. We changed a few things to go 4-4-2 Attacking, rather than Balanced, with the wingers and full-backs attacking more, but basically we just told them to believe in themselves and to go out there and take the game to Motherwell. We felt we were unfortunate to be behind. Ethan Hamilton's long-range shot had forced Trevor Carson into a world class save at full stretch early on and TJ Eyoma thundered a shot against the post just before the break. 

BairnsNews: Well, it worked.

Stuniverse: Yes, it did. Adam Idah pulled one back for us early in the second-half after good work down the wing by Josh Mullin. Lewis Smith levelled things with a sensational individual goal, a mazy run and long-range strike. Adam had an easy tap in for his brace late-on after Carson had parried Jahmal Hector-Ingram's effort.

I'm so proud of the players today. They showed tremendous character and spirit to come back from 2-0 down, away from home, and win 3-2. That has to be the best 45 minutes of football we've played this season.

BairnsNews: You had to take Connolly off early in the first-half and TJ Eyoma in the second. What's the prognosis?

Stuniverse: TJ has a gashed leg which could keep him out for a couple of weeks. Aidan was more precautionary than anything else, he felt some tightness in his calf and we didn't want to risk it turning into something more serious.

BairnsNews: Incredibly, your Falkirk side are third in the Premiership. Can you keep this amazing start to the season going?

Stuniverse: We've made a fantastic start. We'd love nothing more than to keep it going, but we're under no illusions as to how difficult that's going to be in the Premiership. We'll just keep on doing what we're doing and see where that leaves us by the end of the season.

Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates.

Edited February 16, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 26 September 2021

FALKIRK - OCTOBER FIXTURES

BairnsNews: Falkirk face four difficult Premiership fixtures in October, with the highlight being a trip to Ibrox Stadium to play second-placed Rangers.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 28 September 2021

INJURY BLOW FOR HECTOR-INGRAM

BairnsNews: Falkirk's 22 year-old striker Jahmal Hector-Ingram could miss up to six weeks after suffering a thigh strain in training.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 29 September 2021

CONNOLLY JOINS GROWING INJURY LIST

BairnsNews: The Falkirk medical team are certainly being kept busy with 26 year-old Aidan Connolly adding to the growing injury list after going down with an abdominal strain which could keep him out for six weeks.

Unavailable:
Aidan Connolly (abdominal strain)
Jahmal Hector-Ingram (thigh)
TJ Eyoma (gashed leg)
Louis Longridge (hamstring)

Doubtful:
Robert Sanchez (ankle-90)
Lewis Smith (hamstring-90)
Chris Kane (ankle-90)
Josh Dacres-Cogley (calf-90)

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 1 October 2021

MONTHLY REPORTS

Manager Performance:

Finances:

Dynamics:

Edited February 16, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 2nd October 2021

Pre-match v Aberdeen (H) - Ladbrokes Premiership (8)

Match Preview

BairnsNews: You lost 2-0 to Aberdeen in the Betfred Cup recently. You must be hoping for an improvement today?

Stuniverse: Yes. We were well beaten that day and Aberdeen deserved the victory. But that game was at Pittodrie, whereas this time were playing at Falkirk Stadium and I'm sure Ye Bairns fans will get behind us and cheer us on. If I'm honest, I think we showed Aberdeen too much respect on the pitch last time and we won't be making that mistake today.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Aidan Connolly (abdominal strain)
Jahmal Hector-Ingram (thigh)
TJ Eyoma (gashed leg)

Doubtful:
Louis Longridge (hamstring-90)
Robert Sanchez (ankle-90)
Chris Kane (ankle-90)

BairnsNews: Five changes today after a bad week for injuries.

Stuniverse: Yes, two of the changes are enforced because of injury: Josh Dacres-Cogley for TJ Eyoma (gashed leg), Lewis Smith for Aidan Connolly (abdominal), with Steven Boyd also taking Jahmal Hector-Ingram's (thigh) place on the bench. The other changes are Calum Macdonald, Jason Holt and Georgie Kelly for Jordan Marshall, Craig Sibbald and Chris Kane.

Post-match: Falkirk (1) 2-2 (0) Aberdeen

BairnsNews: Well you're certainly playing your part in some entertaining matches this season.

Stuniverse: Yes, at least we are when the opposition are prepared to play football and not just shut-up-shop and defend in numbers, we've had a couple of nil-nils like that so far.

BairnsNews: Aberdeen didn't do that though and it made for a very entertaining contest.

Stuniverse: Yes, that's right. I thought it was an end-to-end game. First-half I thought we had the better of it and deserved our 1-0 half-time lead, through Adam Idah volleying home Calum Macdonald's cross from close range. 

I think Aberdeen were read the riot act though because they hit us with two quick goals after the break. It would've been easy for our heads to drop and be shell-shocked, but that didn't happen. We got ourselves together again and I thought we looked the more likely after that. Adam Idah got his brace, to equalise, when he neatly converted after a lovely low cross from Calum Macdonald. My players deserve a lot of credit for the way they responded o going 2-1 down.

BairnsNews: Mullin looked in a lot of pain when he went off. How is he?

Stuniverse: It's not good news, Josh has dislocated his shoulder and could be out for three months.

BairnsNews: You're third going into the international break. Given your form, unbeaten in five Premiership matches, has the break come at a bad time?

Stuniverse: I can see what you mean about a possible loss of momentum but the players have worked incredibly hard so far this season and well take the opportunity to give them a few days off. Adam Idah is away with the Ireland U21s, but everyone else can take a  well deserved breather. It also gives us a chance to get a few of the walking wounded back fit. We'll then come back and prepare for our next game away at Rangers.

Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates.

Edited February 16, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 14 October 2021

FALKIRK IN TAKEOVER TALKS

BairnsNews: Falkirk chairman Lex Miller has placed an embargo on transfers as takeover talks are under way with local investor Daniel Hill.

 

Edited February 16, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 14 October 2021

BOYD BREAKS FOOT

BairnsNews: Falkirk have been rocked by news that 24 year-old attacker Steven Boyd has broken his foot in training and faces a four month layoff.

Edited February 16, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 16th October 2021

Pre-match v Rangers (a) - Ladbrokes Premiership (9)

Match Preview

BairnsNews: When the Premiership fixture list came out in the summer, did you think your first trip to Ibrox Stadium would be a second against third clash?

Stuniverse: No. I didn't. But it's very early days yet. Rangers are are a great team and we know it's going to be very difficult for us to get anything out of this game at Ibrox Stadium.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Steven Boyd (broken foot)
Josh Mullin (dislocated shoulder)
Aidan Connolly (abdominal strain)
Jahmal Hector-Ingram (thigh)

Doubtful:
TJ Eyoma (gashed leg-90)
Louis Longridge (hamstring-90)

BairnsNews: Just the one change today.

Stuniverse: Yes. Alan Forrest returns after his hip injury for Josh Mullin who's dislocated his shoulder.

Post-match: Rangers (0) 0-0 (0) Falkirk

BairnsNews: An incredible point for Falkirk at Ibrox. How do you sum it up?

Stuniverse: Rangers are a great side and they proved that today with how they dominated possession and chances, but we worked incredibly hard, stuck to our jobs pressing them, closing them down, denying them time and space on the ball, and we didn't make any costly mistakes. I'll admit we rode our luck at times but, sometimes, you make your own luck through hard work and effort. I don't like singling players out but I'm going to make an exception today. Robert Sanchez, in our goal, was outstanding ; he didn't look like being beaten. 

BairnsNews: You were expected to be amongst those scrapping it out for survival this season yet here we are after a stunning start with Falkirk flying high? How far can your team go?

Stuniverse: Look, it's great, but we're only nine games in. We'll take things one game at a time and build on each positive result when it comes.

Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates.

Edited February 16, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Sunday 24th October 2021

Pre-match v Heart Of Midlothian (H) - Ladbrokes Premiership (10)

Match Preview

BairnsNews: You could move back into third place with a win over Hearts today?

Stuniverse: Hearts are another very good Premiership side. We're going to work as hard as we can to try and get something out of the game.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Steven Boyd (broken foot)
Josh Mullin (dislocated shoulder)

Doubtful:
Aidan Connolly (abdominal strain-45)
TJ Eyoma (gashed leg-90)
Jahmal Hector-Ingram (thigh-90)
Louis Longridge (hamstring-90)

BairnsNews: Only one change today.

Stuniverse: Yes. We performed very well against Rangers and I wanted to give the players the opportunity to go again. Georgie Kelly is unfortunate to miss out, but Chris Kane has been knocking on my door for a while, he's been training very well, and I thought it was time to give him a start.

Post-match: Falkirk (0) 2-2 (1) Heart Of Midlothian

BairnsNews: That's seven Premiership matches unbeaten now, but that was a crazy five minute spell, wasn't it? 

Stuniverse: Yes, it was. They took the lead in the first-half. Adam Idah pounced on hesitation in their defence to equalise after 70 minutes. I thought we were good value for the equaliser and looked the most likely to score the winner, only for Hearts to catch us cold within a minute with a wonder goal. Fortunately our heads didn't drop though and Georgie Kelly equalised after great work by Lewis Smith.

Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates.

Edited February 16, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 26 October 2021

MILLER STILL OWNS BAIRNS

BairnsNews: Falkirk chairman Lex Miller has lifted the transfer embargo after announcing he has rejected the takeover bid from Daniel Hill. The previous talks with five different consortiums all broke down because the investors were unable to prove they had sufficient funds. This time Miller hasn't given a reason for the talks collapsing.

Edited February 16, 2020 by Stuniverse

[samboing]

Lex just the club already!! Great start to life in the SPL Stuniverse! Just the one loss is amazing, those draws will soon turn to victories don’t you worry

[Stuniverse]

18 minutes ago, samboing said:

Lex just the club already!!

Yes, @samboing, it’s getting a tad annoying now. I wish Lex Miller would sell the club to someone who wants to own it. I’m into season three now and he’s been in talks with six different consortiums, placed a transfer embargo on the club four times, and he’s pulled the plug on all of them. I just want to know where I stand and work for an owner who wants to own the club.

18 minutes ago, samboing said:

Great start to life in the SPL Stuniverse! Just the one loss is amazing

Yes indeed. Thank you. 10 games in, only Kilmarnock we haven’t played yet, and only Celtic have beaten us. 15 points from 10 games is exceeding my expectations. Already we are 10 points clear of the bottom two. But I don’t want to get ahead of myself.

18 minutes ago, samboing said:

those draws will soon turn to victories don’t you worry

I hope you’re right. We’ve certainly ridden our luck in some of those draws.

Edited February 16, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Wednesday 27th October 2021

Pre-match v Kilmarnock (a) - Ladbrokes Premiership (11)

Match Preview

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Steven Boyd (broken foot)
Josh Mullin (dislocated shoulder)

Doubtful:
Aidan Connolly (abdominal strain-60)
TJ Eyoma (gashed leg-90)
Jahmal Hector-Ingram (thigh-90)
Josh Dacres-Cogley (fatigued-90)
Calum Macdonald (fatigued-90)
Ethan Hamilton (fatigued-90)
Jason Holt (fatigued-90)
Lewis Smith (fatigued-90)
Adam Idah (fatigued-90)

BairnsNews: Have you recovered from Wednesday night's match against Hearts? 

Stuniverse: No, not really. Josh Dacres-Cogley, Calum Macdonald, Ethan Hamilton, Jason Holt, Lewis Smith and Adam Idah were all looking tired in training so TJ Eyoma, Jordan Marshall, Michael Tidser, Craig Sibbald, Anthony McDonald and Chris Kane come in for them.

Post-match: Kilmarnock (0) 0-1 (1) Falkirk

BairnsNews: That was an impressive away win. Congratulations.

Stuniverse: Thank you. Once again we defended very well and that got us through in the end. For the opening quarter of an hour, Kilmarnock had much the better of it, until we counter-attacked and Craig Sibbald ran onto Chris Kane's lay off and smashed the ball into the roof of the net. From then on we grew in confidence, they seemed to lose confidence, and we looked the more dangerous side for the rest of the game.

BairnsNews: You've now played everybody once and you're fourth, with 18 points from 11 matches, and looking good value having lost only one match.

Stuniverse: Yes. We've surprised ourselves at times, but we're not getting ahead of ourselves. In the last two seasons, 28 and 34 points were needed to finish third bottom. Our start has given us a lot of confidence, but we need to continue working hard in an attempt to maintain our early momentum. 

Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates.

Edited February 16, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 29 October 2021

FALKIRK - NOVEMBER FIXTURES

BairnsNews: Falkirk face three Premiership fixtures in November with the highlight being a trip to Celtic Park.

Edited February 16, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date:  1 November 2021

MONTHLY REPORTS

Manager Performance:

Finances:

Dynamics:

Edited February 16, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 3 November 2021

BAIRNS TO OFFER STUNIVERSE NEW CONTRACT

BairnsNews understand from an unnamed source at the club that Falkirk chairman Lex Miller has sounded out manager Stuniverse about renewing his contract with the Bairns and received a positive response. Formal contract talks are expected to commence in the next few days. Stuniverse's current deal expires at the end of the season.

Edited February 16, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 6th November 2021

Pre-match v Livingston (H) - Ladbrokes Premiership (12)

Match Preview

BairnsNews: You drew 0-0 at the Tony Macaroni Arena on opening day. Can you improve on that result against Livingston at the Falkirk Stadium?

Stuniverse: We've been playing well of late and, with Ye Bairns fans behind us, I don't see why not. That's our aim, any way.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Steven Boyd (broken foot)
Josh Mullin (dislocated shoulder)
TJ Eyoma (food poisoning)

Doubtful:
Aidan Connolly (abdominal strain-75)
Lewis Smith (thigh-90)
Alan Forrest (thigh-90)
Jahmal Hector-Ingram (ankle-90)

BairnsNews: Six changes.

Stuniverse: Yes. TJ Eyoma has food poisoning so Josh Dacres-Cogley starts at right-back. Calum Macdonald, Ethan Hamilton, Jason Holt, Louis Longridge and Adm Idah come in for Jordan Marshall, Michael Tidser, Craig Sibbald, Anthony McDonald and Chris Kane.

Post-match: Falkirk (0) 2-0 (0) Livingston

BairnsNews: You had to be patient, but you finally found a way to score against Livingston.

Stuniverse: Yes. We couldn't break them down at the Tony Macaroni Arena and it took us over an hour today. Adam Idah got on the end of a superb Louis Longridge cross to give us the lead. The two of them later combined again for an almost identical goal. Overall, we were very good value for the victory.

BairnsNews: That's nine Premiership matches unbeaten and you're third in the Premiership. Can you keep this amazing run going?

Stuniverse: I know you won't like me saying this but we're just going to take things one game at a time.

Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates.

Edited February 16, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 12 November 2021

BELL SETS RETIREMENT DATE

BairnsNews: Falkirk's 35 year-old goalkeeper Cammy Bell has decided to retire at the end of the season.

Edited February 17, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 17 November 2021

DOYLE SUFFERS HERNIA

BairnsNews: Falkirk's 30 year-old right-back Michael Doyle could be out for five weeks with a hernia.

Edited February 17, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 18 November 2021

STUNIVERSE SIGNS NEW BAIRNS CONTRACT

BairnsNews: Falkirk's manager Stuniverse has signed  a new contract keeping him at the club until the summer of 2024.

Stuniverse is believed to have been unsettled in pre-season because of the ongoing ownership situation at the club and attended interviews at Charlton Athletic and Sunderland and it's been reported he was offered the Charlton manager's job but turned it down.

By signing this new contract, Stuniverse appears to have put his differences with Bairns chairman Lex Miller behind him.

Edited February 17, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 20th November 2021

Pre-match v Ross County (a) - Ladbrokes Premiership (13)

BairnsNews: Congratulations on your new contract.

Stuniverse: Thank you. I'm thoroughly enjoying my time here. Ye Bairns fans have made me very welcome and we've had an incredibly successful first two seasons here. I have a fantastic squad of hard working, quality players; we've made an unbelievable start to this season, exceeding our own expectations, and every day working with these players is an enjoyable experience.

BairnsNews: Does this man you've settled your differences with the chairman?

Stuniverse: To be fair, we don't have differences, we have different plans. I want to build on our success so far, season by season, to make this great club the best we can make it. Lex Miller wants to sell the cub, although he hasn't yet despite having a queue of investors wanting to buy. It's hard to work to a long-term plan for success when the owner doesn't want to be here.

Match Preview

BairnsNews: You have an impressive record against Ross County. Can you keep it going today?

Stuniverse: Well we won 2-0 at our place earlier in the season but today we're away at the Global Energy Stadium. Ross County need the points and I'm sure they'll be doing everything they can to deny us. We've trained well, prepared thoroughly, and if we can match them for commitment and work rate, we're confident of getting a positive result.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Steven Boyd (broken foot)
Michael Doyle (hernia)
Josh Mullin (dislocated shoulder)

Doubtful:
Tom Grivosti (food poisoning-75)
TJ Eyoma (food poisoning-75)
Aidan Connolly (abdominal strain-90)
Lewis Smith (thigh-90)
Alan Forrest (knee-90)
Jahmal Hector-Ingram (ankle-90)

BairnsNews: Only one change today.

Stuniverse: Yes. Alan Forrest has a minor knee issue so Anthony McDonald comes in for him. 

Post-match: Ross County (0) 0-1 (0) Falkirk

BairnsNews: A narrow win, but a win nevertheless.

Stuniverse: Yes, a very good three points for us. I thought we controlled the game from start to finish, but we had to be patient as they defended manfully and robustly at times. Even when they went down to 10-men, they still made it very difficult for us to break them down. We had to wait beyond 70 minutes but, in the end, Adam Idah gave us the lead after a great run by Aidan Connolly. Earlier we thought we'd taken the lead just before the break when Adam Idah scored after being put clean through by Jason Holt, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.

Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates.

Edited February 17, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 23 November 2021

LITMANEN SIGNS NEW DEAL

BairnsNews: Falkirk's 50 year-old assistant manager Jari Litmanen has joined manager Stuniverse in signing a new contract that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2024.

Edited February 17, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 26 November 2021

LENNON-STUNIVERSE WAR OF WORDS

BairnsNews: Celtic manager Neil Lennon and Falkirk manager Stuniverse have entered into a war of words ahead of their Premiership clash at Celtic Park.

Edited February 17, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 27th November 2021

Pre-match v Celtic (a) - Ladbrokes Premiership (14)

Match Preview

BairnsNews: Celtic have won their last 15 Premiership matches, stretching back to last season. How do you go about trying to get something out of your visit to Celtic Park?

Stuniverse: Well clearly it's going to be very difficult for us. We prepare as we always prepare, and hope we can go out on the pitch, play to something close to our best, and you just never know... [laughs] maybe Lennon and the Celtic players will underestimate us like he thinks the rest of the Premiership has.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Steven Boyd (broken foot)
Michael Doyle (hernia)
Josh Mullin (dislocated shoulder)

Doubtful:
Calum Macdonald (ankle-90)
Alan Forrest (knee-90)

BairnsNews: Four changes today.

Stuniverse: Yes, TJ Eyoma, Craig Sibbald, Lewis Smith and Jahmal Hector-Ingram for Josh Dacres-Cogley, Ethan Hamilton, Louis Longridge and Georgie Kelly.

Post-match: Celtic (0) 1-0 (0) Falkirk

BairnsNews: A valiant effort but another defeat at the hands of Celtic.

Stuniverse: Yes. It was always going to be an uphill task and, for the most part, we defended very well, but a lapse of concentration, a careless challenge from Calum Macdonald, and Celtic have a penalty from which they scored. After that it was always going to be incredibly difficult. I'm pleased we created a handful of chances of our own but we saw the gulf in quality between Celtic and ourselves today.

BairnsNews: It must be disappointing to lose, but can you take confidence from having gone 10 matches unbeaten before this?

Stuniverse: Yes. Celtic have been the best team in Scottish football for a good number of seasons now. Losing away to them by a solitary goal is nothing to get alarmed about, in fact we can take a lot of confidence from it. We went on a good run of form before that and we need to try and find a way to maintain that momentum.

Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates.

Edited February 18, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: 28 November 2021

RAITH AT HOME

BairnsNews: Falkirk have been draw at home to League One Raith Rovers in the Fourth Round of the Scottish Cup.

[kingjericho]

Good start @Stuniverse, only 2 losses at this point is a very good sign.

[Stuniverse]

34 minutes ago, kingjericho said:

Good start @Stuniverse, only 2 losses at this point is a very good sign.

Thank you, @kingjericho. I’m delighted with the start we’ve made. Be interesting to see how we go between now and 22 games when we’ll have played everyone twice, home and away. We rode our luck in some of the games but I’m heartened by our defensive record - even Celtic haven’t blown us away.