Almost exactly two years ago, Falkirk were playing out a 2-2 draw with Edinburgh City in Scottish League 1.
City now sit bottom of League 2. Falkirk are sixth in the Premiership after back-to-back promotions.
Saturday’s 2-0 win at St Mirren means they hold a five-point cushion over Aberdeen and Dundee United, having a game in hand over the latter.
Their almighty rise under the astute management of John McGlynn has been hugely impressive, and now they must be considered serious contenders for a top-six finish.
The away end was packed for Falkirk’s victory in Paisley.
Supporters are living the dream, riding what seems an unstoppable crest of a wave. They surely could never have imagined things could have gone so well.
“They’re as delighted as are we,” said McGlynn.
“We want to keep our feet on the ground, we don’t want to get too carried away. The fans have backed us, We’ve got 5,700 season-ticket holders. I don’t think Falkirk have had that for a long time. They like what they’re seeing.
“I think it’s great to be a Falkirk fan. It’s great to be the Falkirk manager, absolutely, and I’m sure the players are equally delighted.”
McGlynn’s influence cannot be overstated. He’s undoubtedly very, very good at his job.
That is widely recognised having won the PFA Scotland Manager of the Year award the past two seasons and he is surely already a contender again.
He has taken a core of players on this journey – Calvin Miller being a standout – and added quality players who fit their attractive style and the culture of the club.
There’s a real belief about the squad. Post-match, Miller, who scored the second goal, responded with a quick “no” after being asked if he was surprised by their league position.
Not arrogance, simply confidence. “We’re absolutely good enough, and that’s the mentality we’ve had since League 1, so no, I can believe it,” he said.
Falkirk have now amassed 30 points after 21 games. They’ve taken 16 of those away from home.
On their travels, they’ve beaten Aberdeen, Motherwell, Dundee United, Kilmarnock and now St Mirren.
McGlynn’s men have drawn with Rangers home and away.
They’ve achieved all of this while maintaining a commitment to an expansive style, with pragmatism thrown in when required.
Motherwell midfielder Andy Halliday, speaking on BBC Scotland’s Sportsound, expressed what’s stood out for him.
“I’ve been really impressed with their energy off the ball,” he said. “It’s not as if they’re a team that sit in and try to grind out wins or points. They get after teams.
“John McGlynn is a really good coach and he’s built a fantastic team.”
So what’s next?
“We have to continuously improve but I think everyone would recognise that we’re no half-season wonder,” McGlynn said.
“We will keep the foot to the floor.”
