Craig Sibbald relishing Falkirk homecoming after Tesco love-in with fans

Craig Sibbald has spoken of his delight at returning to Falkirk, revealing that supporters have already gone out of their way to welcome him back – even during a routine trip to the supermarket.

The midfielder rejoined the club a fortnight ago having signed a pre-contract agreement back in March, following spells at Livingston and Dundee United. It comes 15 years after his first-team debut for the Bairns, a milestone marked by a photograph of him as a teenager that still hangs on the wall of academy graduates between the dressing room and the pitch.

Back where it began

Sibbald admitted his new team-mates have already had some fun at his expense over the old photo, which shows a much younger version of himself with considerably more hair.

“Aye, most of them… saying I had some trim then!” Sibbald said. “I had long hair there, the good old days. All the academy graduates are on that wall and I’m up there… one of the youngest, so I’m happy it’s still up there.”

He added: “I was 16, so it feels like a different lifetime ago. But it’s good memories and hopefully I’ll have many more to come. It’s been nostalgic being back, it’s good to see where it all began again and I had some very good times here.”

Sibbald racked up more than 270 appearances during his first stint at the club before leaving in 2018. The academy system that produced him was later shelved, only to be revived last year in what he described as a significant moment for Falkirk.

“It’s brilliant to see the academy back. That’s the way forward,” he said. “I saw some of the young players in my first week who have all got a good chance. It’s reminded me of how I started off and it’s good to see that back. Hopefully I can just help them along the way.”

A warm welcome from the Falkirk faithful

As a local player, Sibbald says he has noticed the goodwill from supporters even away from the stadium, including during his regular shop at a nearby Tesco.

“The Falkirk fans have always been good to me and I think because I’m the local lad it helps,” he said. “I have had quite a few encounters. I always go to the Tesco in the retail park so people just saying, ‘It’s brilliant to have you back’. No shouting from the end of the aisle, just a couple of people coming up to me saying they’re excited to have me back. It’s a nice touch and nice to hear.”

Now 31, Sibbald’s arrival is part of a significant summer rebuild at Falkirk, the biggest since John McGlynn and Paul Smith joined the club during their League One days. Striker Barney Stewart has been sold to West Brom for a seven-figure fee, while winger Calvin Miller, who provided the most assists of any player in the Scottish Premiership last season, has moved to Hearts.

“Barney and Calvin were good players for the club, so it’s time now for me and other players to step up, do a job and deliver that attacking threat,” Sibbald said.

First taste of life under McGlynn

This is Sibbald’s first time working under manager John McGlynn, having recently taken part in a pre-season training camp in Portugal to get up to speed with his methods.

“His attention to detail, I’m just excited to go week by week into the season, through pre-season and learn more and more about how he wants to play,” Sibbald said. “I think it’ll bring the best out of me. It’s intense training but for a good reason – it’ll make you better in the long run.”

Sibbald also played a part in bringing former Livingston team-mate Jack McMillan to the club from Exeter City. “I was trying to convince him. I know Jack’s ability so I thought he’d be a good one to play for Falkirk,” Sibbald said. “I’m happy he’s here and it’s good to see him every day again.”