Former Hearts boss responds to next Aberdeen manager links with Tynecastle reminder as Hibs verdict sent
The former Hearts boss has been rumoured as an Aberdeen manager candidate,
A former Hearts boss has responded to links around the vacant Aberdeen job - as he prepares for Hibs this weekend in the Premiership.
John McGlynn has been acclaimed this season after putting Falkirk into a top six battle in their first season back at top flight level in more than a decade. He guided the Bairns to League One and Championship glory and that continued success is seeing him strongly linked to the vacant managerial position at Aberdeen.
They are hunting Jimmy Thelin’s successor and the man who previously coached at Hearts before managing the Jambos 2012-13 has been touted as a contender, ahead of this Saturday’s clash with Hibs. McGlynn has now had his say on the links, with a nod to previously being linked with a return to Hearts.
John McGlynn on next Aberdeen manager rumours
He said when asked if Aberdeen had made contact: "I've not heard anything about that. I'm purely focused on the Hibs game. There's been no contact and I'm not looking for that. I will keep the boys focused. The last thing I want is distractions.
"I've been in the game a long time, and was heavily linked with the Hearts job not so long ago too. I always look upon it as a backhanded compliment for the work that's getting done here. But I am totally focused on Falkirk. I'm enjoying my work and I have a good group here."
Falkirk head into the Hibs game off the back of knocking Hearts out the Scottish Cup on penalties, while David Gray’s side enter battle after a shock loss at the fourth round stage to Championship side Dunfermline Athletic. McGlynn expects a reaction from Hibs off the back of the disappointing loss.
Falkirk vs Hibs assessed
McGlynn said of the match in Grangemouth: "David Gray will be looking for a reaction from Hibs after going out of the Scottish Cup and we can't be complacent at all. We are still big underdogs and we need to remember we need to fight for 90 minutes.
"We have exceeded expectations, and I wouldn't like to be sitting in the bottom three right now. I remember feeling the tension in some of the games I went to watch last season involving teams in the relegation battle. Even the fans were so scared and it was a horrible feeling.
"We are pleased to be sitting where we are but we can't get carried away as it can change. We want to keep going the way we are, and it will come down to attitude and ability. I want to be ambitious for the players. We're punching miles above our weight, but we've done it with a nucleus of players who have taken us all the way up."