Falkirk sign Scott Bain after early Celtic release

Former Celtic goalkeeper Scott Bain is heading to Championship title winners Falkirk to add experience to John McGlynn’s side as they look to consolidate their place back in the Scottish Premiership in the upcoming season…

Scott Bain of Celtic
Scott Bain of Celtic celebrates his sides second goal during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Aberdeen and Celtic at Pittodrie Stadium on May 04, 2019. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Bain left Celtic on a free transfer last week after seven years as part of the goalkeeper set-up at the Scottish Champions. The former Dundee keeper had a year remaining on his current Celtic deal but the club agreed to a free transfer release in recognition of Bain’s selfless service to the Hoops after Bain requested an exit in order to pursue a new challenge and play regular first team football.

UPDATE – Story confirmed, Scott Bain signs for Falkirk

Bain will accordingly now be the first pick Falkirk keeper for the new campaign.

STV’s Raman Bhardwaj was first to report Bain’s destination post-Celtic on social media earlier today. He reported: “Former Celtic goalkeeper Scott Bain has agreed a deal to join Falkirk. Set to sign a one-year contract.”

Bain, 33, joined Celtic from Dundee in January 2018, initially on loan, and made his debut in the 3–2 Glasgow Derby victory over theRangers which the Celtic support called Beautiful Sunday.

He went on to make 78 appearances for the Hoops, contributing to seven league titles, four League Cups, and three Scottish Cups. Despite signing a three-year contract extension in 2023, Bain’s playing time diminished, and he found himself as the third-choice goalkeeper behind Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo.

John McGlynn, Manager of Falkirk FC
John McGlynn, Manager of Falkirk FC acknowledges the fans after the Premier Sports Cup Quarter Final between Celtic and Falkirk at Celtic Park on September 22, 2024. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

PFA Scotland’s Manager of the Year John McGlynn is seeking experienced players to strengthen his Falkirk squad for their return to the Premiership, and Bain is expected to become the club’s first-choice goalkeeper.

Reflecting on his career, Bain expressed gratitude for the pivotal opportunity given by Paul Hartley at Dundee, which he credits with saving him from possibly quitting football entirely.

Scott Bain
Celtic Training – goalkeepers Tobi Oluwayemi, Joe Hart and Scott Bain right during a training session at Lennoxtown Training Centre. Friday May 13, 2022. Photo Andrew Milligan

On leaving Celtic after seven seasons Scott Bain had this to say to the official Celtic FC website: “I am really sad, of course, to be leaving the club but I am so thankful, too, for everything the club has given me. I have enjoyed my time at Celtic massively and it has been a huge honour to be part of the biggest and best club in the country.

“I would like to thank the Gaffer and all the other managers I’ve worked with, my many team-mates over the years and all the staff at Celtic. I’ve made some great friends at Celtic and will always be supporting the club in everything it does.

“The Celtic fans are the best around and I thank them for all the support I have been given by them too. I wish the club and our supporters nothing but success for the future.”

Callum McGregor is consoled by Scott Bain and Brendan Rodgers
Callum McGregor is consoled by Scott Bain and Brendan Rodgers. Photo: Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers, commenting on the news that Scott Bain had left Celtic added:

“Scott has given everything to Celtic and I would like to thank him sincerely for his time at the club. He has been a valued member of the squad and a great team-mate, really liked and respected by us all. Everyone at the club wishes Scott and his family all the very best for the future.”

When Celtic take on Falkirk for the first time in the new season, the Celtic support will get the chance to show our appreciation for the commitment to the Celtic cause over the past seven years. Best of luck to Scott at Falkirk.

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About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor David Faulds has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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