How rivals Falkirk & Dunfermline have turned around fortunes

When bitter rivals Falkirk and Dunfermline walk out at Hampden on Saturday, it will mark an extraordinary rise for both clubs. Falkirk were in League 1 as recently as 2024. Dunfermline were in the third tier a year prior.

Now they have both bragging rights and silverware on their minds. They are one win away from a Scottish Cup final; two away from legendary status. It has been 58 years since Dunfermline triumphed in this competition and 69 years since Falkirk got their hands on the famous old trophy.

But how did they dig themselves out of the doldrums to reach Hampden and put themselves in contention for cup glory once more? Lennon annoyed at 'unfair' Dunfermline fixtures Falkirk boss McGlynn eyes pinnacle of cup final Falkirk's 'best should be enough' For Falkirk, it is a tale that goes further than just a cup run. It's been a total revitalisation driven by John McGlynn, who has overseen back-to-back title wins and has now led the Bairns to a top-half finish in the Premiership.

They beat league leaders Hearts on penalties, dispatched Stenhousemuir after extra time, then edged out Dundee United in the quarter-finals. "To take the team into the Premiership, be in a strong position and reach a Scottish Cup final - that would be the pinnacle of our careers," McGlynn said of himself and his staff. In a season of high points, dumping Hearts out of the cup must rank right up there.