Falkirk

The Case For Them

Falkirk work as a second team because they come with their own geography: Scotland, Falkirk Stadium, and a set of rivalries you will absorb faster than you expect.

• You get a nickname

  Known as The Bairns. That is your new shorthand, your search term and your excuse for buying a scarf.

• Easy weekend

  Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is about 25km from the ground, and Falkirk Grahamston railway station is 2km closer still. A home fixture is a genuinely doable two-night trip.

• The calendar you inherit

  Scotland Premiership is cold-weather football: mud in February, breath visible under the lights, and a fixture list that rewards anyone who sticks it out. Scotland does not do easy neutrals.

• Deep roots

  Founded in 1876, Falkirk were playing organised football before floodlights, substitutes or televised highlights existed. You are adopting 150 years of accumulated grudges.