John McGlynn says he is “quite content” with the way his career has panned out, as the Falkirk manager prepares for his first Premiership match in charge at Tynecastle since losing his job at Hearts in February 2013.
The 63-year-old served on the backroom staff from 1995 to 2006 and returned to the Jambos as manager in 2012, but only spent eight months in charge of the Edinburgh club under erratic owner Vladimir Romanov.
McGlynn has been back to Hearts with Championship clubs Livingston and Raith Rovers, but Saturday will be his first time in the dugout as a Premiership manager.
“For me, after five-and-a-half years at Raith Rovers, it was probably the right time, but it was probably the wrong time to be at Hearts,” said McGlynn.
“There was so much change going on, but I probably lasted longer than some. I felt there was pros and cons to it. I can look back at the two [Europa League play-off] games against Liverpool fondly.
“I also look back fondly at getting the team to the League Cup final, which Hearts have got a horrendous record in.
“Our league form wasn’t great, we were trying to play good football but getting hit with sucker punches and losing games.
“On the back of winning the Scottish Cup with a 5-1 win against Hibs, there were high expectation but with only half of the Scottish Cup team left, it was always going to be difficult with the brief to bring in younger players because there was obviously no money.
“We did a reasonable job under the circumstances. It’s not done me any harm because I’m quite content with what I’ve done in football and where I am right now.
“I had a lot to thank Hearts for, for the opportunity I was given in the first place. Jim Jefferies and Billy Brown opened the door for me [in 1995] and I got in and had some great times there.
“I don’t have any ill feeling or resentment. You just deal with the cards you’re dealt.”
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