Stuniverse Posted January 12, 2020 Author Share Posted January 12, 2020 (edited) Game date: 4 December 2020 BAIRNS SNAP UP JAMES ON FREE TRANSFER BarnsNews: Falkirk today announced the signing of 21 year-old English goalkeeper Bradley James on a free transfer. James s expected to be one for the future. Edited January 12, 2020 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted January 12, 2020 Author Share Posted January 12, 2020 (edited) Game date: Saturday 5th December 2020 Pre-match v Ross County (H) - Ladbrokes Championship (16) Match Preview BairnsNews: With Dundee United playing Celtic in the Betfred Cup Final this weekend, you have the opportunity to reclaim top spot with your game-in-hand. Can you take advantage? Stuniverse: Well Ross County are third so it's obviously not going to be easy. We're at home, though, Ye Bairns fans will be cheering us on, and we're determined to get a win today in our own stadium. Team Selection Unavailable: Craig Sibbald (broken leg) Gregor Buchanan (calf) Doubtful: Aidan Connolly (groin-90) BairnsNews: Three changes today. Stuniverse: Tom Grivosti returns from suspension in place of Jordan Marshall. Michael Tidser takes the place of the unfortunate Craig Sibbald, after he broke his leg. Anthony McDonald comes in for Louis Longridge. Post-match: Falkirk (0) 1-0 (0) Ross County BairnsNews: You really had to work hard in that one, but you won it and you're back on top. How does it feel? Stuniverse: It feels great. You're right. Ross County gave us a really difficult game as we expected and, at times, it was tough to get the ball off them. I thought we defended brilliantly and Steven Boyd gave us the lead with a wonderful solo effort. Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates. Edited January 13, 2020 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted January 12, 2020 Author Share Posted January 12, 2020 Game date: 9 December 2020 FALKIRK SNAP UP HOLT BairnsNews: Falkirk have snapped up 27 year-old free agent central midfielder Jason Holt on a free transfer. An unnamed source at the club informed us that Director of Football Terry Butcher recommended the former Rangers player to manager Stuniverse when Craig Sibbald broke his leg. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted January 12, 2020 Author Share Posted January 12, 2020 Game date: 10 December 2020 FORREST JOINS THE BAIRNS BairnsNews: Falkirk have signed 24 year-old attacking midfielder Alan Forrest on a free transfer. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JaytheGreat Posted January 13, 2020 Share Posted January 13, 2020 @Stuniverse Just got caught up and I'm glad you stayed with Falkirk , and from what I hear from Jack Wilson from the Falkirk Harold so are the fans. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted January 20, 2020 Author Share Posted January 20, 2020 On 13/01/2020 at 21:09, JaytheGreat said: @Stuniverse Just got caught up and I'm glad you stayed with Falkirk , and from what I hear from Jack Wilson from the Falkirk Harold so are the fans. Thanks, @JaytheGreat. Send my best to Jack Wilson, glad to know the fans are backing me! 😀 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted January 20, 2020 Author Share Posted January 20, 2020 Game date: Saturday 12th December 2020 Pre-match v Dundee (a) - Ladbrokes Championship (17) Match Preview BairnsNews: You've not included either of your free agent signings in the matchday 18 for your visit to 4th placed Dundee. Stuniverse: That's right. By the very nature of them being free agents, neither Alan Forrest nor Jason Holt have played much football this season. They both need to get up to speed fitness wise and then we'll look at how they can contribute. Team Selection Unavailable: Craig Sibbald (broken leg) Michael Doyle (ill) Doubtful: Gregor Buchanan (calf-45) Aidan Connolly (groin-90) Michael Tidser (fatigued) BairnsNews: One change today. Stuniverse: Yes. Michael Tidser was looking a little jaded in training so we've decided to give a start to Aidan Connolly. Post-match: Dundee (3) 3-2 (1) Falkirk BairnsNews: What happened in the first-half? Stuniverse: We gave ourselves a mountain to climb, that's what. Before we knew it we were 2-0. We shot ourselves in the foot. Anderson Arroyo gives away a ridiculous and unnecessary penalty. 1-0 down. Then when Robbie Mutch pushes a header onto the bar, Calum Macdonald ducks out of the way and the rebound hits him on the back of the head and goes in. 2-0 down. Steven Boyd gets us back in it at 2-1 and then we concede a third just before the break. In the second-half we were better, we showed more commitment and desire, but it was too little too late. We hit the bar. Steven Boyd grabbed his second goal, but we couldn't find an equaliser. Dundee are too good a team for that; we gifted them a two-goal lead and that was too much for us to recover from. BairnsNews: For a long time it looked like you were going to lose top spot as Dundee United were winning at Inverness but Cally equalised in the 90th minute, leaving Falkirk still in top spot. Stuniverse: We won't be top for long if we continue to play like we did in the first 45 minutes. Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted January 20, 2020 Author Share Posted January 20, 2020 Game date: Saturday 19th December 2020 Pre-match v Partick Thistle (H) - Ladbrokes Championship (18) Match Preview BairnsNews: You weren't at your best last time against Dundee, but a home match against 7th placed Partick gives you a great chance to bounce back, doesn't it? Stuniverse: It does, and that's what we're aiming to do. We want to give the Ye Bairns fans an early Christmas present with a win today, but we've not been performing as well as we can recently and we need to do better today otherwise Partick will spoil our party. The players know what we're expecting of them today an it's up to them to deliver. Team Selection Unavailable: Craig Sibbald (broken leg) Doubtful: Gregor Buchanan (calf-75) BairnsNews: A couple of changes. Stuniverse: Yes. Jordan Marshall replaces Calum Macdonald and Lewis Smith comes in for Aidan Connolly. Post-match: Falkirk (0) 2-0 (0) Partick Thistle BairnsNews: Congratulations on the win. What did you make of it? Stuniverse: Partick made it very difficult for us in the first-half and it was a tight affair. I thought we looked a little nervous, to be honest. After the break, particularly after the substitutes came on, I thought we looked much the better side. Steven Boyd settled our nerves with his first goal and then he got his just rewards for a sensational performance when he scored his second. BairnsNews: Smith limped off, how is he? Stuniverse: Lewis has sprained his ankle so that could see him out for a month. BairnsNews: Dundee United beat Ayr 2-0 but you're top at Christmas, a point clear of Dundee United and five clear of Ross County. How do you assess the first-half of the season? Stuniverse: As a newly promoted team, we're delighted to be top of the division at the halfway stage. It's a great Christmas present for Ye Bairns fans and I hope they all enjoy the festive season now. Our aim this season is to gain promotion to the Premiership. We've given ourselves a great opportunity to achieve that but we know we've got another 18 hard games to play before the end of the season. Being top at Christmas means nothing really... it's where we finish on the 1st of May that matters. Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates. 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted January 21, 2020 Author Share Posted January 21, 2020 Game date: 25 December 2020 FORREST BREAKS DOWN IN TRAINING BairnsNews: Falkirk have been rocked by news that recent free agent signing Alan Forrest has broken down in training. Forrest, who has yet to make his Falkirk debut, is likely to be out for three months with a hip injury. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted January 21, 2020 Author Share Posted January 21, 2020 (edited) Game date: Saturday 26th December 2020 Pre-match v East Fife (H) - Ladbrokes Championship (19) Match Preview BairnsNews: It's top against bottom as you take on East Fife at home. A Boxing Day win should be on the cards, shouldn't it? Stuniverse: I'd like to think so, but we can't take anything for granted. We have to match East Fife for work rate and commitment and then, hopefully, our quality will make the difference. Team Selection Unavailable: Craig Sibbald (broken leg) Alan Forrest (hip) Lewis Smith (ankle) BairnsNews: Just the one change. Stuniverse: Yes. Aidan Connolly comes in for the injured Lewis Smith (ankle). Gregor Buchanan has recovered from his calf injury and takes Mark Durnan's place on the bench. Post-match: Falkirk (2) 3-0 (0) East Fife BairnsNews: What a great start that was. Stuniverse: Yeah. We were 2-0 up after just five minutes through Jahmal Hector-Ingram and Steven Boyd. Charlie Telfer had a chance to make it 3-0 from the penalty spot before the break but their goalkeeper pulled off a magnificent save. In the second-half, Ethan Hamilton's header made it 3-0. Everyone of our players put in a huge shift today and we controlled the game from first whistle to last; I'm so proud of the players. Merry Christmas, Bairns fans. BairnsNews: And your arch-rivals did you a favour? Stuniverse: Did they? BairnsNews: They sure did. Trailing 1-0, down to 10-men, Dunfermline scored a late equaliser against Dundee United. Stuniverse: Well I never... Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates. Edited January 21, 2020 by Stuniverse 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted January 21, 2020 Author Share Posted January 21, 2020 (edited) Game date: 27 December 2020 FODERINGHAM SNUBS FALKIRK BairnsNews understand that Rangers's 29-year old goalkeeper Wes Foderingham has snubbed Falkirk. The Bairns had an offer accepted by Rangers, but Foderingham's agent informed Falkirk that the player had no interest in discussing terms. Edited January 21, 2020 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 3, 2020 Author Share Posted February 3, 2020 Game date: 27 December 2020 BAIRNS JANUARY FIXTURES BairnsNews: Falkirk will play four Championship fixtures in January, plus the Scottish Cup 4th Round tie at Airdrie. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 3, 2020 Author Share Posted February 3, 2020 Game date: 28 December 2020 STUNIVERSE DENIES HEARTS INTEREST BairnsNews: Falkirk manager Stuniverse has denied any interest in the Hearts managerial vacancy. Hearts are currently 6th in the Premiership. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 3, 2020 Author Share Posted February 3, 2020 Game date: 30 December 2020 FALKIRK BOARD DELIGHTED WITH STUNIVERSE Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 3, 2020 Author Share Posted February 3, 2020 (edited) Game date: 30 December 2020 HAMILTON ADDS TO GROWING INJURY LIST BairnsNews: Falkirk's 22 year-old midfielder Ethan Hamilton has sustained a sports hernia during weights training and is the latest Bairns player added to an ever-growing injury list. Edited February 3, 2020 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 3, 2020 Author Share Posted February 3, 2020 (edited) Game date: 31 December 2020 UK LEAVE EU BairnsNews: The UK has now left the EU and British leagues with a squad registration system will now use a 17 foreign player in squad limit. Edited February 3, 2020 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 3, 2020 Author Share Posted February 3, 2020 (edited) Game date: 1 January 2021 BAIRNS SPLASH THE CASH ON TWO STRIKERS BairnsNews: Falkirk have completed the signings of 26 year-old Chris Kane from St. Johnstone and 24 year-old Georgie Kelly from Dundalk for a combined total of £165,000. Edited February 3, 2020 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 3, 2020 Author Share Posted February 3, 2020 Game date: 1 January 2021 MONTHLY REPORTS Manager Performance: Finances: Dynamics: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 3, 2020 Author Share Posted February 3, 2020 Game date: Saturday 2nd January 2021 Pre-match v Inverness Caledonian Thistle (a) - Ladbrokes Championship (20) Match Preview BairnsNews: Ahead of your trip to 5th placed Inverness, you have quite an injury list. Stuniverse: Yes. Our medical team are very busy at the moment with seven players definitely unavailable and new signing Georgie Kelly nowhere near match-fit at the moment. Team Selection Unavailable: Craig Sibbald (broken leg) Alan Forrest (hip) Ethan Hamilton (hernia) Lewis Smith (ankle) Bradley James (groin) Robbie Mutch (ill) Michael Doyle (ill) Doubtful: Georgie Kelly (match fitness) BairnsNews: Three changes today. Stuniverse: Yes, with two of them enforced: Robbie Mutch is ill so Cammy Bell plays in goal and Jason Holt replaces Ethan Hamilton (sports hernia). Calum Macdonald starts ahead of Jordan Marshall. Post-match: Inverness Caledonian Thistle (1) 1-2 (1) Falkirk BairnsNews: A hard fought win. Stuniverse: Yes. Inverness started very brightly and for 10 minutes we struggled to get the ball out of our own half. After that, we settled down and slowly took control of the game. Jahmal Hector-Ingram gave us the lead, only for them to equalise. After the break I thought we were by far the better team. Jahmal added a second and was unlucky not to grab a hat-trick. BairnsNews: Dundee United left it late to grab a winner against Alloa, keeping your lead at the top to three points. Stuniverse: I think it will be close between the two of us all the way to the end of the season. Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 3, 2020 Author Share Posted February 3, 2020 Game date: 6 January 2021 FALKIRK CHAIRMAN LOOKING TO SELL BairnsNews understand from unnamed sources at Falkirk that Bairns chairman Lex Miller is still looking to sell the football club and a takeover could be close. The chairman nearly sold Falkirk FC earlier in the season, but takeover talks broke down. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 3, 2020 Author Share Posted February 3, 2020 Game date: 8 January 2021 HECTOR-INGRAM EXTENDS BAIRNS STAY BairnsNews: Falkirk have confirmed an extension of 22 year-old striker Jahmal Hector-Ingram's loan from Derby County until the end of next season. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 3, 2020 Author Share Posted February 3, 2020 Game date: Saturday 9th January 2021 Pre-match v Dundee United (H) - Ladbrokes Championship (21) Match Preview BairnsNews: 1st against 2nd today. You could be either six points clear of Dundee United or level on points with them later today. Stuniverse: Yes. It's a big game for both us and Dundee United. These are the games we're in football for. The big games. The games that mean something. We haven't had the best of times against Dundee United this season, with a draw and two losses, but we're at home, we're in good form, and I'm sure Ye Bairns fans will be right behind us. We're determined to get a victory against Dundee United today. Team Selection Unavailable: Craig Sibbald (broken leg) Alan Forrest (hip) Ethan Hamilton (hernia) Lewis Smith (ankle) Bradley James (groin) Doubtful: Georgie Kelly (match fitness) Chris Kane (groin-90) BairnsNews: For this top-of-the-table clash you've made two changes. Stuniverse: That's right. Robbie Mutch has recovered from illness and takes the goalkeeper gloves from Cammy Bell. Charlie Telfer wasn't at his best last time out so I'm giving him a breather by bringing Michael Tidser in. Post-match: Falkirk (1) 3-1 (0) Dundee United BairnsNews: Congratulations. Not only did you beat Dundee United for the first time... you thoroughly deserved it. Stuniverse: Thank you. I thought every single one of my players was outstanding today. Steven Boyd gave us the lead. Dundee United equalised after the break, but we didn't lose our control of the game and goals from Anthony MacDonald and Jahmal Hector-Ingram gave us the win. Ye Bairns fans were magnificent today and I hope they'll savour this victory. BairnsNews: The win takes you six points ahead of Dundee United, but your lead is only five points after Ross County's win against Inverness sees them climb into 2nd place. Stuniverse: Ross County and Dundee United are both very good teams. We're delighted to have a five point cushion at the top, but we still have 15 tough games to play as we try to stay on top. Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates. 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 3, 2020 Author Share Posted February 3, 2020 Game date: 15 January 2021 BAIRNS SECURE MACDONALD FOR ANOTHER SEASON BairnsNews: Falkirk have extended the loan of Blackpool's 23 year-old left-back Calum Macdonald until the end of next season. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 3, 2020 Author Share Posted February 3, 2020 (edited) Game date: Saturday 16th January 2021 Pre-match v Airdrieonians (a) - Scottish Cup Fourth Round Match Preview BairnsNews: You're away to a side from the division below you, can you make it past Airdrie into the 5th round? Stuniverse: We hope so, but Airdrie are top of League One so we know it won't be an easy game and we certainly won't be underestimating our hosts. Team Selection Unavailable: Tom Grivosti (suspended) Craig Sibbald (broken leg) Alan Forrest (hip) Ethan Hamilton (hernia) Doubtful: Georgie Kelly (match fitness) Lewis Smith (ankle-75) Chris Kane (groin-90) BairnsNews: Just the one enforced change today. Stuniverse: Yes. Tom Grivosti is suspended so Jordan Marshall gets a start alongside Efe Ambrose in central defence. Post-match: Airdrieonians (1) 1-4 (2) Falkirk BairnsNews: A comfortable victory. Stuniverse: No. Not really. We were very slow to get started and Airdrie were up for it from the kick-off. They were all over us in the opening 10 minutes and deservedly took the lead. We rode our luck, I'll admit, and Steven Boyd equalised, against the run of play. When Jahmal Hector-Ingram gave us a 2-1 lead we finally started to calm down and settled into the game. After the break, I felt we started to impose ourselves on the game. Steven Boyd and Conor Sammon made the scoreline comfortable for us but the game was anything but. Airdrie deserve a lot of credit for the way they played. Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates. Edited February 3, 2020 by Stuniverse 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 3, 2020 Author Share Posted February 3, 2020 Game date: 18 January 2021 BAIRNS MADE TO WAIT FOR OPPONENTS BairnsNews: Falkirk will travel to play either Dunfermline or Dundee in the Scottish Cup 5th Round. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 5, 2020 Author Share Posted February 5, 2020 Game date: Saturday 23d January 2021 Pre-match v Dunfermline Athletic (a) - Ladbrokes Championship (22) Match Preview BairnsNews: You've won all four matches against your arch rivals Dunfermline so far. You must be hoping for another win today? Stuniverse: Of course. We'd like nothing better than to give Ye Bairns fans the bragging rights again. But I think this could be our toughest test against Dunfermline this season. For most of the season they've been scrapping in and around the relegation zone, but a good run of form has seen them move up to 6th. They will be confident, on home soil I'd imagine and, like I said, we're expecting a very difficult game. Team Selection Unavailable: Craig Sibbald (broken leg) Alan Forrest (hip) Ethan Hamilton (hernia) Doubtful: Lewis Allan (ill) Lewis Smith (ankle-75) Georgie Kelly (knee-90) Chris Kane (groin-90) BairnsNews: One change today. Stuniverse: Yes. Tom Grivosti has served his suspension and returns in place of Jordan Marshall. Post-match: Dunfermline Athletic (0) 0-2 (0) Falkirk BairnsNews: Was that a game of two halves? Stuniverse: Yes. It was. Yes. In the first-half, Dunfermline were much the better team. They bossed possession, they created more chances, they did everything but score. Our travelling supporters were unbelievable, Ye Bairns fans really stuck with us during a difficult time in the game. At half-time, we had a frank discussion, made some changes, and were much improved after the break. Louis Longridge came on as a substitute and gave us the lead around the hour mark. A minute later, Jason Holt added a second with a brilliant individual goal, dribbling the ball from inside our own half before smashing it into the net from the edge of the penalty area. BairnsNews: Ross County won 2-1 at Dundee United to consolidate 2nd place and now look like your biggest challengers. Stuniverse: That's a huge result for Ross County. Absolutely massive for them. Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 6, 2020 Author Share Posted February 6, 2020 (edited) Game date: 27 January 2021 IT'S DUNDEE IN THE CUP BairnsNews: Falkirk will travel to the Kilmac Stadium at Dens Park in the Fifth Round of the Scottish Cup after Dundee defeated Dunfermline 2-1 in their 4th Round replay. Edited February 6, 2020 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 6, 2020 Author Share Posted February 6, 2020 Game date: 28 January 2021 DYRDEN TO JOIN AYR IN THE SUMMER BairnsNews: Falkirk's 24 year old defender Sam Dryden has agreed to join Ayr United in the summer when his Bairns contract expires. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 6, 2020 Author Share Posted February 6, 2020 (edited) Game date: 28 January 2021 ARROYO LOAN EXTENSION IN DOUBT BairnsNews: Falkirk's attempts to extend Liverpool's 21-year-old right-back Anderson Arroyo's loan has taken a blow after the Colombian was denied a work permit. Falkirk have appealed the decision. Edited February 6, 2020 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 6, 2020 Author Share Posted February 6, 2020 Game date: 28 January 2021 SANCHEZ SET TO JOIN FALKIRK IN THE SUMMER BairnsNews: Falkirk have agreed to sign Brighton's 24 year-old Spanish goalkeeper Robert Sanchez in the summer when his current contract expires. Sanchez is currently on loan with Crawley Town in the English League Two. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 6, 2020 Author Share Posted February 6, 2020 (edited) Game date: 30 January 2021 ARROYO BLOW BairnsNews: Liverpool's 21 year-old Colombian right-back Anderson Arroyo won't be rejoining Falkirk on loan next season after the Bairns appeal against the decision to deny Anderson a work permit was rejected. Edited February 6, 2020 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 6, 2020 Author Share Posted February 6, 2020 Game date: Saturday 30th January 2021 Pre-match v Alloa Athletic (H) - Ladbrokes Championship (23) Match Preview BairnsNews: Alloa have the worst defensive record in the division. Is this a chance for you to increase your goal difference? Stuniverse: First and foremost we have to do a professional job and try and win the game. Team Selection Unavailable: Craig Sibbald (broken leg) Alan Forrest (hip) Doubtful: Ethan Hamilton (hernia-45) BairnsNews: One change today. Is Longridge in after his impressive sub's appearance against Dunfermline? Stuniverse: Yes. Absolutely. Louis hasn't started for a while but, against Dunfermline, he came on early in the second-half and helped turnaround a game we were really struggling in at the time. I felt he deserved a start after that performance. Post-match: Falkirk (3) 5-2 (0) Alloa Athletic BairnsNews: The snow didn't put you off then? Stuniverse: No. Not in the least. There was only a thin covering of snow, but it was freezing stood on the sidelines. I think we have to thank our ground staff for working incredibly hard to get this game on. Steven Boyd gave us an early lead. Scott Taggart was unfortunate with his own goal shortly afterwards. Jahmal Hector-Ingram added a third before the break. Jahmal made it 4-0 early in the second-half. Aidan Connolly wrapped up the points for us after they'd pulled one back. BairnsNews: With Ross County drawing 0-0 against Dunfermline and Dundee United losing 3-0 at Dundee, you now have a seven point lead at the top. Stuniverse: It's great to have that points cushion, but we're not getting ahead of ourselves. It's not that long ago that Dundee United were top of the table, now they're fourth. That shows you how quickly things can turn around. Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 6, 2020 Author Share Posted February 6, 2020 Game date: 31 January 2021 FALKIRK'S FEBRUARY FIXTURES BairnsNews: As we move towards the business end of the season, Falkirk face six fixtures in February with the standout highlights being the league-and-cup double against 2nd placed Ross County, plus the league-and-cup double against 3rd placed Dundee. A successful month could be a defining moment for Ye Bairns in pursuit of their targets for this season which, cup-runs aside, has to be promotion to the Scottish Premiership. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 6, 2020 Author Share Posted February 6, 2020 Game date: 1 February 2021 STUNIVERSE WINS MANAGER OF THE MONTH BairnsNews: Four wins out of four in January helped Falkirk manager Stuniverse win the Championship Manager of the Month award. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 6, 2020 Author Share Posted February 6, 2020 Game date: 1 February 2021 MONTHLY REPORTS Manager Performance: Finances: Dynamics: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 6, 2020 Author Share Posted February 6, 2020 Game date: 2 February 2021 TRANSFER WINDOW CLOSES BairnsNews: Falkirk's five new signings in the Winter Transfer Window made Ye Bairns the most active football club in the Championship. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 6, 2020 Author Share Posted February 6, 2020 Game date: Saturday 6th February 2021 Pre-match v Dundee (a) - Scottish Cup Fifth Round Match Preview BairnsNews: With a more important league match against the same opponent on Tuesday, were you tempted to rest any of your key players for the trip to Dundee today? Stuniverse: No. I don't think like that. We want to win every game we play. I know this is football, and you can't win every game, it's just not possible, but you can always try to win every game. As manager, I give my team the best chance of winning if I pick the strongest, fittest 11 I can. I'll worry about who's fit enough to go again on Tuesday night when we get there. Today is all about doing our best to progress through to the next round of the Scottish Cup. Team Selection Unavailable: Craig Sibbald (broken leg) Alan Forrest (hip) Doubtful: Gregor Buchanan (suspended) Ethan Hamilton (hernia-45) Michael Tidser (calf-90) BairnsNews: Just the one change then. Stuniverse: Yes. Michael Tidser has a calf issue so I've given Charlie Telfer a start instead. Post-match: Dundee (1) 2-1 (0) Falkirk BairnsNews: It wasn't to be. Stuniverse: No. It wasn't. But, to be fair, Dundee played very well and we didn't do anywhere near enough. Dundee were all over us in the first-half and deservedly led at the break, although we're disappointed that it came from a needless penalty conceded by Aidan Connolly. We let the players know what we thought at the break and they responded with Steven Boyd equalising after less than a minute of the restart. But Dundee disrupted our rhythm, made it difficult for us, and grabbed the winner. Overall, as I said, we didn't do anywhere near enough to win the game and that's disappointing. BairnsNews: By "disrupted your rhythm", do you mean kicked you off the park? Stuniverse: Well I never said that but we had to take Aidan Connolly off with what looks like a knee injury and, then, when we'd made all our subs, Louis Longridge picked up a thigh injury and was pretty much a passenger after that. Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 6, 2020 Author Share Posted February 6, 2020 Game date: Tuesday 9th February 2021 Pre-match v Dundee (H) - Ladbrokes Championship (24) Match Preview BairnsNews: It's first against third. How do you approach this match given Dundee have won the last two meetings? Stuniverse: We prepare as we always do. Those two defeats were away from home. Tonight is at Falkirk Stadium. I know our fans will get behind us and we're determined to make it a special night for Ye Bairns. Team Selection Unavailable: Craig Sibbald (broken leg) Alan Forrest (hip) Aidan Connolly (knee) Louis Longridge (thigh) Doubtful: Ethan Hamilton (hernia-45) Michael Tidser (calf-90) Calum Macdonald (jaded-90) Oladapo Afalayan (jaded-90) Lewis Smith (jaded-90) BairnsNews: By my calculations I make it four changes tonight? Stuniverse: Yes. I think it is four. We picked up a couple of injuries last time out against Dundee meaning Anthony MacDonald returns in place of Louis Longridge (thigh) and Oladapo Afayolan comes in for Aidan Connolly (knee). Calum Macdonald was looking a bit tired in training so Jordan Marshall starts at left-back. Michael Tidser has shaken off his calf problem and takes the place of Charlie Telfer in midfield. Post-match: Falkirk (1) 2-1 (1) Dundee BairnsNews: You had to come from behind, but you got the win in the end. Congratulations. Stuniverse: Thank you. Sometimes, I think, because we've been on the good run of form we've been on, you can easily overlook just how good these teams we're competing with at the top of the Championship actually are. Dundee proved today, what we already knew, that they are a very good side. Once again, they started far brighter than us and probably deserved to take the lead. Anderson Arroyo had us level by the break with a stunning shot into the top corner from the edge of the area. After the break, I thought we handled the game situation better than them. Jahmal Hector-Ingram gave us the lead from the penalty spot. Then they had a player sent-off and we were able to see the game out for the three points. BairnsNews: Your lead remains seven points to Ross County in second place. Stuniverse: There's a dozen games left to play now, we're getting to that stage of the season where we can tick the games off one by one and the points gap becomes more and more significant with each game we play. Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 6, 2020 Author Share Posted February 6, 2020 (edited) Game date: 12 February 2021 BAIRNS BOARD IMPOSE TRANSFER EMBARGO BairnsNews understand from an unnamed source at the club that the Falkirk Board have imposed a transfer embargo as two consortiums battle it out to takeover the football club. A consortium backed by Duncan Murdoch has already stated their intention to install a new manager should they takeover Falkirk FC. The rival consortium backed by Frazer Laird have spoken out in defence of Bairns manager Stuniverse accusing their rivals of being disrespectful to the current Bairns boss. Edited February 6, 2020 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 6, 2020 Author Share Posted February 6, 2020 Game date: Saturday 13th February 2021 Pre-match v Ross County (H) - Tunnock's Caramel Wafer Challenge Cup Semi-Final BairnsNews: What can you tell us about the two consortium looking to takeover the football club? Stuniverse: Nothing, really. You probably know more than me if you've been looking into it. BairnsNews: Are you worried for your job given that one of the consortiums have publicly stated their intention to bring in a new manager? Stuniverse: It's out-of-my-hands really, but I'd like to think my track record here as manager of Falkirk speaks for itself. I'd suggest you direct this kind of questioning to the club chairman Lex Miller. Shall we move on? Match Preview BairnsNews: With your league match against Ross County being pushed back to March, does that affect anything for this cup semi-final against them? Stuniverse: No. Not at all. As I've said many times before, I never look beyond the next game, particularly when selecting a starting-11 and substitutes bench. I'll worry about the following game once this one's in the history books. Team Selection Unavailable: Craig Sibbald (broken leg) Alan Forrest (hip) Aidan Connolly (knee) Doubtful: Louis Longridge (thigh-45) Ethan Hamilton (hernia-45) Anderson Arroyo (thigh-90) Michael Tidser (calf-90) BairnsNews: Only one change today. Stuniverse: Yes. Calum Macdonald returns in place of Jordan Marshall. Post-match: Falkirk (3) 4-2 (0) Ross County BairnsNews: Congratulations on making the final, but that was a bit Jekyll and Hyde, wasn't it? Stuniverse: Thank you and yes, it was. The first-half was just about perfect from our perspective. Ross County never troubled and we controlled the game, creating plenty of chances, and grabbing three goals through Anthony McDonald, Lewis Smith, and Steven Boyd. We knew Ross County were too good to be that bad again and their manager David Hopkin really got into them during the break. They really took the game to us after the restart and pushed us onto the back foot. Their first goal was an unbelievable strike from Joe Chalmers. When they got a second we were hanging on at times, but Steven Boyd knicked a fourth goal for us and that settled our nerves. I don't like singling out individuals but I thought Michael Tidser ran the show for us from midfield and he thoroughly deserved his three assists. Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 6, 2020 Author Share Posted February 6, 2020 Game date: 13 February 2021 CUP FINAL - FALKIRK V GLENTORAN BairnsNews: Falkirk will need to overcome Danske Bank Premiership side Glentoran in the Tunnock's Caramel Wafer Challenge Cup Final if Ye Bairns are to retain the trophy they won last season. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 6, 2020 Author Share Posted February 6, 2020 Game date: Tuesday 16th February 2021 Pre-match v Ayr United (a) - Ladbrokes Championship (25) Match Preview Team Selection Unavailable: Craig Sibbald (broken leg) Alan Forrest (hip) Doubtful: Michael Tidser (calf-90) Aidan Connolly (knee-90) Lewis Smith (jaded-90) Anthony McDonald (jaded-90) BairnsNews: Two changes. Stuniverse: Yes. Ethan Hamilton has recovered from his sports hernia and comes into central midfield to give Michael Tidser (calf) a well-deserved rest. Louis Longridge has shaken off his thigh problem and starts ahead of Anthony McDonald (jaded). Post-match: Ayr United (0) 0-2 (1) Falkirk BairnsNews: Ayr were the home team but you restricted them to just two attempts on goal. Was that a complete away performance? Stuniverse: Not quite, but it was very close. I thought we controlled the game from first whistle to last and they never really caused us any problems. Jahmal Hector-Ingram gave us an early lead. A one goal lead can be wiped out at any time though. I would've liked to have got the second goal earlier, but Anthony McDonald scored it with five minutes to go and we could breathe easier then. Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 6, 2020 Author Share Posted February 6, 2020 Game date: Saturday 27th February 2021 Pre-match v Patrick Thistle (a) - Ladbrokes Championship (26) Match Preview Team Selection Unavailable: Efe Ambrose (suspended) Craig Sibbald (broken leg) Alan Forrest (hip) Louis Longridge (heel) Doubtful: Michael Tidser (calf-90) Aidan Connolly (knee-90) BairnsNews: Three changes today. Stuniverse: Efe Ambrose is suspended so Gregor Buchanan comes in. Louis Longridge damaged his heel in training, Anthony McDonald replaces him. Michael Tidser returns from his calf injury for Ethan Hamilton. Post-match: Patrick Thistle (0) 1-4 (3) Falkirk BairnsNews: How do you sum that one up? Stuniverse: I'm very pleased with the performance and the result. I thought everybody put in a real shift today and we deserved to win. A brace from Jahmal Hector-Ingram and a goal from Steven Boyd saw us 3-0 up by the break. Aidan Connolly added a fourth late on. BairnsNews: Congratulations, you've guaranteed yourselves a play-off place. Stuniverse: Thank you but, from the position we find ourselves in, we're aiming to go up automatically. Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 6, 2020 Author Share Posted February 6, 2020 Game date: 28 February 2021 FALKIRK - MARCH FIXTURES BairnsNews: Falkirk will play five league matches plus the Tunnock's Caramel Wafer Challenge Cup Final in March. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 6, 2020 Author Share Posted February 6, 2020 Game date: 1 March 2021 STUNIVERSE WINS MANAGER OF THE MONTH 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 6, 2020 Author Share Posted February 6, 2020 Game date: 1 March 2021 BAIRNS TAKEOVER HITS ROCKS BairnsNews understand that doubts are emerging as to whether either of the two consortiums negotiating to takeover the Bairns actually have sufficient funds to do so. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 6, 2020 Author Share Posted February 6, 2020 Game date: 2 March 2021 MONTHLY REPORTS Manager Performance: Finances: Dynamics: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kidthekid Posted February 6, 2020 Share Posted February 6, 2020 What a great season this is shaping up to be. I have never seen a tug of war battle for ownership in FM until now. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 6, 2020 Author Share Posted February 6, 2020 (edited) 7 minutes ago, kidthekid said: What a great season this is shaping up to be. Thank you, @kidthekid. Yes, I’m really enjoying this season. 7 minutes ago, kidthekid said: I have never seen a tug of war battle for ownership in FM until now. Neither have I. Although the latest news in my Inbox suggested both might fall through. Edited February 6, 2020 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted February 6, 2020 Author Share Posted February 6, 2020 Game date: Tuesday 2nd March 2021 Pre-match v Ross County (a) - Ladbrokes Championship (27) Match Preview BairnsNews: You visit 2nd placed Ross County with a seven point lead at the top, which could become 10 with a win. Can you do it? Stuniverse: Well that's the aim. We've trained hard, we're focussed on the job in hand, and we're confident of getting a result. I'm sure Ross County will want to win in front of their own fans though. Team Selection Unavailable: Efe Ambrose (suspended) Craig Sibbald (broken leg) Alan Forrest (hip) Louis Longridge (heel) Doubtful: Aidan Connolly (knee-90) BairnsNews: No changes to the starting lineup or the subs bench. Stuniverse: That's correct. The players were magnificent against Partick last time out and they've earnt the right to go again. Post-match: Ross County (1) 2-0 (0) Falkirk BairnsNews: How disappointing was that? Stuniverse: Very. We really were like chalk and cheese from the last game. Against Partick we were magnificent, against Ross County today we were poor. Maybe I made a mistake in not freshening things up, but I expected the players to put in a better shift than they did today. I'm sorry for our travelling fans, Ye Bairns deserved a better showing than that. BairnsNews: Ross County have reduced the gap to just four points. Do you think it's going to go down to the wire? Stuniverse: It very well could do. We have to do better than we did today though if we want to be playing in the Premiership next season. Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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