John McGlynn brushes off Aberdeen links by ‘totally focusing’ on work at Falkirk

John McGlynn stressed that he is “totally focused” on Falkirk as he attempted to play down links with the Aberdeen vacancy.

The Bairns boss has been touted this week as one of the leading contenders to succeed Jimmy Thelin at Pittodrie.

But McGlynn was reluctant to be drawn on the Dons link when asked about it at a press conference on Thursday afternoon.

“I’m purely focused on this game,” he said ahead of Saturday’s visit from Hibernian. “I’ve had no contact and I’m not looking for that. I’m just looking to concentrate on the next game, keep the boys focused.

“The last thing I want is distractions. I’ve got to just focus on this game.”

McGlynn’s stock is high after leading Falkirk from the third tier of Scottish football to the top six of the William Hill Premiership since being appointed in May 2022.

“I’ve been in the game a long time, it’s not the first time,” the 64-year-old said of speculation about his future.

“I was heavily linked with the Hearts job as well not so long ago. I always look upon it as a back-handed compliment for the work that’s getting done. It’s similar when players are doing well, they sometimes get moves on the back of it.

“I certainly don’t want it becoming a distraction, that’s for sure. As I say, I’m totally focused on this. I’ve got a good group of boys here. I’ve got guys like Scott Bain who’s just re-signed a longer-term contract in here.

“I’ve been enjoying my work here. I’m just focused on that.”

McGlynn, who has signed striker Ben Parkinson and playmaker Louie Marsh this month, indicated that he is unlikely to add any further January recruits, saying: “I’m happy with what we’ve got.”