Blair Alston.

[Ludo*1]

One of Falkirk's best players. Out of contract this summer - currently 23 - but 24 in the summer which is when any deal would formally take place therefore no compensation would be due.

Reminds me of a young Gavin Rae, but he can also play right midfield - possibly fitting into Hartley's idea of width as he's not a 'winger' as such but he is all action.

[Mr Gandosaur]

St Johnstone have offered him a deal too. PH better move fast if he is interested. 

[an-dee]

Took his goal on Sunday against Hibs very well, composure was excellent. Would be a great signing although I read that English clubs are also interested.

[Pablothedee]

Good player. Him and Vaulks the pick of the bunch at Falkirk.

[HH66]

We don't want to be robbing players from Falkirk - need them to be strong next season to keep the Arab bar stewards doon

[Pablothedee]

Well said HH.

Get doon and fucking stay doon.

[gedee]

Well said HH.

Get doon and fucking stay doon.

Pablo ..... What is there no' tae like aboot yir comment ?

"Get doon and fucking stay doon"   Weel said Brother

[Derry Drummer]

What are Falkirk doing right? Are they getting these players from lower leagues or bringing them threw their own youth system?

[steven dees]

I think they are bringing them through their own system DD. They have already sold a few players to Swansea and im sure they sold a young player to Norwich for upwards to a million. I'm sure someone can confirm if this is true or if iv made it up!!

[harry94]

For what it's worth, Falkirk fans continuously slate him in match threads but some really appreciate his effort. I don't think he's anything special and doubt he'll go on to the same level as Vaulks, Sibbald and Grant will but he's probably someone I could imagine could be a decent enough player at this level with a bit of work. He seems to be able to play right across the midfield and although consistency is lacking, it does tell a good story that he's able to play in different roles each week and the manager is confident to play him there.

Would be happy enough with signing him but think that with Low + Ross signed up and then a chance that Harkins will stay, I think the resources might go into the midfield. Saying that, I don't know anything about our budget and what other signings we'll be making so could be useful.

What are Falkirk doing right? Are they getting these players from lower leagues or bringing them threw their own youth system?

Vaulks and Grant were recruited from Tranmere and Peterbrough respectively (both clubs had released them at 20 years old). Leahy, who is another similar signing who has been decent but not thought of in the same way, was picked up at the same age from Rugby Town.

Then they've brought through Sibbald, Alston, McGrandles (who was sold for £1 million but has just returned on loan), Duffie and Biabi. With the exception of Biabi who left after a handful of games, the others were given regular football for a couple of seasons and patience has been kept in them. Duffie is the only obvious example of a player who has kind of declined from the promise shown in him but generally, they've come into a settled team and held their own.

Just a mix of them putting faith in those two strategies and integrating that with an experienced spine with guys that are good at that level.

[Deerhound]

What are Falkirk doing right? Are they getting these players from lower leagues or bringing them threw their own youth system?

To be honest, I'd argue that they're not really doing anything "right".  Falkirk are a team that should be able to challenge for promotion from that division and they spent a few years not being competitive to build this squad.  When the time comes around that a number of their key players are becoming out of contract they haven't been promoted and so I would say have largely failed at what should be their aim.  They are going to have to rebuild soon and who knows how long it might take them to be challenging again.

I will concede that they have been unlucky with sevco and the two edinburgh clubs being in there with them though.  

[gedee]

To be honest, I'd argue that they're not really doing anything "right".  Falkirk are a team that should be able to challenge for promotion from that division and they spent a few years not being competitive to build this squad.  When the time comes around that a number of their key players are becoming out of contract they haven't been promoted and so I would say have largely failed at what should be their aim.  They are going to have to rebuild soon and who knows how long it might take them to be challenging again.

I will concede that they have been unlucky with sevco and the two edinburgh clubs being in there with them though.  

Maybe I am dwelling on a Falkirk Club of the past, when I saw them as a team more formidable ....& could cause Cup upsets.

Even now, I still think of them as a well set up Club, & as such expect a lot from them. PH (their manager) has a steady hand.