Craig Sibbald agrees deal to return to Falkirk from Dundee United

Dundee United midfielder Craig Sibbald has sealed a return to boyhood club Falkirk after signing a pre-contract agreement.

The 30-year-old midfielder contributed to more than 80 goals for the Bairns in over 270 appearances before leaving for Livington.

Manager John McGlynn told Falkirk’s website: “We are delighted to get him back to Falkirk, he was very positive as soon as we got a chance to talk to him with regards to coming here, and he showed real excitement and enthusiasm to be back at the football club.

“He’s an outstanding central midfielder with real experience at the Premiership level for many years.

“He knows the league inside out and it’s great we can continue to bring Scottish players to the football club, and not only that but a player who has been here previously, is from the local area, and is absolutely desperate to pull a Falkirk jersey on and give his utmost for the football club.

“It isn’t always possible and we often have to cast our net further afield but it’s great to bring one of our own back to Falkirk.”

Sibbald added: “I’m very proud to be coming back home where it all started. This club means everything to me, and I’m delighted sign a deal to return to my boyhood team that I grew up supporting.

“I can’t wait to put the Falkirk shirt on again and give everything for the badge. The opportunity to come back at this stage of my career feels right, and I can’t wait to get started next season. Once a bairn always a bairn.”

Dundee United said that they had made an offer to keep Sibbald.

United said: “A contract offer reflective of our desire to retain the midfielder’s services was tabled to the player and his representatives.

“However, the 30-year-old has opted to return to his boyhood club, eight years after initially leaving The Falkirk Stadium.”

McGlynn has also tied down a current member of his squad by securing left-back Leon McCann on a two-year extension.

The 26-year-old, who has made 163 appearances, said: “The club’s been on an upwards trajectory for the past three years. I knew where this club could go, that’s the reason I signed.

“I knew Falkirk was a sleeping giant, and now we’re close to securing top six in our first season back in the Premiership, who knows where this club can go?”