Next Manager Options: Four Managerial Candidates to be Falkirk Boss

The former Arbroath and now ex-Falkirk manager was relieved of his duties on Sunday evening after a humiliating 6-0 away defeat to Queen’s Park, which left the Bairns three points below the promotion play-offs and nine adrift off league leaders Cove Rangers. The incoming boss will have to hit the ground running with the January transfer window fast approaching as the club try and salvage any hopes of promotion at the third time of asking.

City Live have selected their options for the vacant hotseat at the League One club…

1. Brian Rice

Rice, 58, is the current frontrunner for the job. He is currently out of work, having resigned as manager of Championship side Hamilton Academical in August. He was approached by Falkirk as their number-one target in the summer, however Hamilton had refused permission for Falkirk to speak to him.

Rice previously played for the club between 1991-1995 where he made over 100 appearances as a midfielder. He also has experience as assistant manager of the Bairns, under Ian McCall and John Hughes, where he helped the club to the 2005 First Division title and the 2009 Scottish Cup Final. Rice has recently admitted he would be interested in managing the club if the opportunity presented itself, he said: “Everybody knows my feelings on Falkirk and I need to get back working. It’s a job that I’d be interested in if it was available”

However, Rice has also reportedly been linked to the vacant managerial position at Greenock Morton, so if the club are still keen to appoint him, they might have to fight to get their man.

Rice in his spell as Hamilton boss, visiting Celtic Park

2. Danny Grainger

Grainger has been placed in interim charge of the Bairns in the aftermath of Sheerin’s sacking as the club look to appoint his successor. However, if the club win their league game with Cove this Saturday, the former Hearts and Dundee United player may decide to put himself forward for the permanent job. Grainger was previously manager of Northern Premier League North West side Workington Reds in England, having them well positioned for promotion before the pandemic hit. If the club were to appoint the 38-year-old, it would continue a sense of continuity within the squad, as they try and salvage their season and keep the aim of promotion alive.

Leadership qualities? Danny Grainger in a previous playing spell at Carlisle United

3. Jim McIntyre

The former Ross County manager has been out of work since he was sacked at Dundee in May 2019. McIntyre has had a successful career in management, having won the First Division title with Dunfermline in 2011 and the 2016 Scottish League Cup with Ross County. He has been linked to a plethora of clubs since leaving Dundee more than two years ago, such as Motherwell, Alloa Athletic and Ayr United. McIntyre has also previously been linked to Falkirk and reportedly rejected the position back in 2018.

Despite this, the 49-year-old has had success from winning silverware, and a steady, experienced man in charge is just what Falkirk need at this moment in time. Many people will be attracted to the opportunity of getting Falkirk promoted, and if offered again, will it be too big a chance for McIntyre to turn down?

McIntyre enjoying winning the Scottish League Cup

4. David Hopkin

The 51-year-old has only spent the past three months out of work, having resigned from his position at Ayr United in September. He also spent short stints at Greenock Morton and Bradford City. However, it is his success at Livingston F.C. which is why Hopkin is still held in high regard. He led the Livi Lions to successive back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premiership. That success story is exactly what Falkirk supporters would want their next manager to have. Certainly, if Hopkin was appointed the fans would have confidence that having been in a similar position with Livingston, he would have what it takes to be just as successful with their club.

Hopkin during a pre season friendly as Livingston boss

Although these options look desirable for Falkirk fans on paper, it may be difficult to lure a decent manager to the side, as sporting director Gary Holt has a reputation of being very hands on when it comes to recruitment, something many managers may find intrusive.