In a profound and candid revelation, Falkirk assistant manager Paul Smith has recounted the harrowing moments following a pivotal match against Raith Rovers, when the frustration of defeat quickly morphed into a terrifying, life-threatening ordeal. Unbeknownst to Smith, a far more severe pain than any on the football pitch was about to strike, mere minutes after the final whistle of that intense January cup tie.
Within half an hour, a frightening sequence of events unfolded, culminating in Smith experiencing excruciating agony in the club doctor’s room at the Falkirk Stadium. He was swiftly blue-lighted to the hospital, where medical intervention revealed he had suffered a heart attack. A crucial stent was inserted, stabilizing his condition and ultimately saving his life.
Remarkably, the 62-year-old made an astonishing recovery. Only six days after the traumatic incident, he was back with his team, albeit in the director’s box, witnessing the Bairns exact revenge on Raith Rovers in Kirkcaldy. This swift return underscored his profound dedication and resilience, a testament to his strong spirit and the excellent care he received.
Today, 27 weeks removed from that harrowing evening, Smith will stand proudly beside manager John McGlynn at the Falkirk Stadium. Together, they will lead their side onto the pitch in front of a sold-out crowd against Dundee United, marking the club’s momentous return to Scotland’s top flight after a 16-season absence. His presence in the dugout symbolizes not just personal triumph but the culmination of a collective dream.
For this incredible turnaround, the former Bairns midfielder expresses eternal gratitude to the NHS heroes at St John’s Hospital in Livingston and the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. These dedicated professionals worked wonders to clear a severely blocked artery just two hours after Smith had delivered his usual post-match debrief to his players, illustrating the critical speed and efficiency of their actions during his heart attack recovery.
Smith recounted the surreal nature of the experience, likening the sensation to someone sitting on his chest. He also acknowledged a family history of heart problems, making him acutely aware of potential risks. Yet, the swift onset of symptoms—sweatiness, clamminess, and tightening in his chest—occurred so rapidly that he felt fortunate to be surrounded by medical experts when the severe pain hit, allowing for immediate diagnosis and treatment.
Throughout his ordeal, the unwavering support from John McGlynn proved invaluable. McGlynn visited Smith in the hospital and maintained constant phone contact, even discussing team selection while Smith was still recuperating in his hospital bed. This strong bond highlights not only their professional partnership but also a deep personal connection that has been instrumental in Falkirk’s remarkable journey back to the Scottish Premiership.
Smith also champions McGlynn as one of the league’s most underrated bosses, despite his back-to-back PFA Scotland Manager of the Year awards. He credits McGlynn’s spell as a scout and opposition analyst for Brendan Rodgers at Celtic for broadening his coaching horizons. This experience, observing top European clubs, opened up new tactical insights that McGlynn has successfully implemented, driving Falkirk’s sensational charge from League One back to the Premiership with an attractive, winning style of football.
The duo’s success, built on a close relationship with their players and an in-depth understanding of their backgrounds, has defied expectations. Three years ago, the prospect of Falkirk playing in the Premiership might have been met with laughter, but through resilience, strategic vision, and dedicated coaching, Paul Smith and John McGlynn have transformed that dream into a tangible reality, culminating in this emotional and hard-fought return to the elite level of Scottish football.
