Why Scottish football must take John McGlynn's managerial talent more seriously as passionate case put forward
Craig Levein delivers ringing endorsement of Falkirk boss
Craig Levein believes Scottish football is guilty of overlooking one of its most impressive managerial talents, insisting John McGlynn has repeatedly demonstrated the qualities required to succeed at a bigger club – and even the Scotland national team.
The Falkirk manager continues to enhance his reputation after overseeing five consecutive victories, including Sunday’s 5-2 win over Hearts at Tynecastle, highlighting the consistency and quality of the work being carried out at the club. Yet, despite his dugout achievements at both Falkirk and Raith Rovers earning admiration, Levein is of the belief that McGlynn remains undervalued outside the clubs fortunate enough to have employed him.
Indeed, the former Scotland manager holds his old Tynecastle colleague in such high regard that he admits he would have handed him the national team reins. Having worked together in Gorgie, Levein insists McGlynn’s qualities were evident from the outset.
“I was promoting him for the Scotland job when it came around,” he confessed. “If you look at his record, it's pretty impressive. Raith Rovers and Falkirk, he’s pulling up trees at Falkirk just now. I just think he is undervalued, maybe not by the supporters that have had him as their manager but certainly in a wider sense in Scotland. He has done a brilliant job so far.
“When I went to Hearts at the tail end of my career, I was helping John do some training with the youngsters. Even then, you could tell immediately that he knows what he's talking about. John's eye for a player is pretty special. He's proved that over the years.”
It is that combination of football intelligence, vast experience, a calm temperament and attention to detail which makes Levein question why the meticulous 64-year-old boss has not attracted more interest from ambitious clubs operating at a higher level.
He suspects the changing trends in managerial appointments may play a part, with clubs influenced by perceptions surrounding age and reputation, rather than simply what a coach has achieved. Levein also believes there could be an element of snobbery when it comes to assessing managerial talent closer to home.
“If it was some foreign guy that had come in and done the same sort of job as him, I'm pretty sure he would have been promoted or moved to a higher level,” he stated. “I think he deserves to be working at a bigger club. I thought he had a chance to get the Scotland job. He's done all the work that he needs to do in my eyes to get an opportunity.”
There is little doubt that McGlynn's coaching methods have developed throughout his career. His time spent learning from Brendan Rodgers at Celtic allowed him to absorb new ideas and subsequently incorporate those principles into his own footballing philosophy.
Levein believes that demonstrated an ability to evolve without losing his own identity, explaining: “He went to Celtic, watched and learned everything on top of the knowledge he already had. The stuff he picked up from Brendan, he's implemented exceptionally well at Raith and at Falkirk. He's got integrity, knowledge, he delves into the minutiae when he's doing his team talks and makes sure everybody knows what's expected.”
Falkirk's recent performances have only strengthened the case. For Levein, there are no remaining questions about whether McGlynn can handle a greater challenge. The evidence is already there and becomes difficult to ignore.
“John's got better as he's grown older,” Levein added. “Quite a lot of times, guys who are coming in their 60s or 70s usually run out of energy. That's what catches up with guys getting into their later years. But he is relentless. Every box you want ticked, John would tick that box. I'm biased, I like the guy and what he does at football clubs. If I'm a chairman, all day long I'd be looking for somebody like him.
“He stays within the bandwidth of emotions. He doesn't get overly emotional during matches and he stays in this area, which I think is good for him and good for his players. You don't often see him throwing stuff about in the dugout or anything like that. He's a top manager who has improved enormously in the last five or six years.”
*Craig Levein was speaking at the announcement of William Hill as Official Sponsor and Proper Supporter of Walking Football Scotland. To find your nearest game visit walkingfootballscotland.org.
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