Falkirk Preview

A few pieces of information relating to Wednesday's final game of the Scotland tour at Falkirk

Falkirk v Bolton Wanderers,
Wednesday 25 July,
Falkirk Stadium, 7.30pm Kick-Off

Wanderers complete their tour of Scotland on Wednesday evening, tackling First Division outfit Falkirk.


It will be Owen Coyle's second trip to the Falkirk Stadium as manager as Bolton, following on from the last visit in 2010 - a pre-season friendly which ended nil-nil.

Coyle actually played for Falkirk between 2002 and 2003, scoring 20 league goals.

It was at the same club that he started his managerial career, taking up a player-manager role alongside John Hughes in January 2003 before he left five months later in May 2003 to continue his playing career at Dundee United.

As with the two previous games on the tour, Bolton can expect a firm test on Wednesday.

The Bairns had a successful 2011/12 campaign as they finished winners in the Scottish Challenge Cup, semi-finalists in the League Cup and finished third in the Scottish First Division.

Falkirk's manager is former Scotland International defender, Steven Pressley.

Pressley enjoyed a long and successful playing career and played for Falkirk in 2009 before he became a coach. He has been in charge since February 2010.

Captain Darren Dods is a key player for the Bairns. He scored eight goals from defence last season.

For parts of last season, Dods played alongside former Wanderers defender Rhys Bennett, who spent the entire 2011/12 campaign on loan at Falkirk. Bennett left Bolton this summer to join Rochdale.

Falkirk's pre-season schedule started with draws against Formartine United and Spartans and wins against Stirling Albion, Turriff United and Fraserburgh. However, they were thumped 7-3 by Middlesbrough in a home friendly on Saturday afternoon.

Wanderers' Assistant Manager Sandy Stewart spoke to Wanderers Player last week about Falkirk's credentials, saying: "They have a strong team and I would imagine it's another wee step up for us again.

"I know they are gutted about not reaching the Premier League because at one stage last season it looked as if that was exactly where they were going to go. So that's their aim this season."

Bolton fans travelling to Falkirk Stadium should note that they will be located in the North Stand. Admission on the turnstiles in £12 for adults and £6 for concessions.

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