LITTLE more than a year ago, Barney Stewart was dodging “hatchet men” in the East of Scotland League First Division, playing for Heriot-Watt University in front of handfuls of spectators. On Saturday, he stood in front of a rocking Falkirk Stadium as a Premiership hat-trick hero.
The 21-year-old’s journey is the definitive footballing fairytale. After being plucked from the seventh tier by John McGlynn, Stewart’s clinical treble in the 4-1 demolition of Hibernian proved that the student striker has officially graduated into the big time.
‘No Linesmen for Protection’
Stewart’s rise is a testament to the “never-ending fairytale” currently unfolding at Falkirk. While most top-flight stars are pampered in elite academies, Stewart was forged in the rough-and-tumble environment of university football, where the luxuries of the professional game were non-existent.
“There were times just over a year ago when I didn’t even have linesmen for protection,” Stewart reflected after his Saturday masterclass. “You’re playing against guys who don’t care who you are; they just want to win the ball. It was a tough upbringing, but it prepares you for the physicality of the professional game.”
John McGlynn’s eye for a player has once again been vindicated. After signing Stewart from Heriot-Watt two years ago, the Bairns boss allowed him to finish his development on loan, first back at the university and then most recently at Dunfermline under Neil Lennon.
The Recall that Changed Everything
It was only three weeks ago that McGlynn hit the recall button, bringing Stewart back to the Falkirk Stadium after an impressive eight-goal haul at East End Park. In just his fifth appearance for the Bairns in the top flight, he tore a “hopeless” Hibs defence apart, moving Falkirk further up the table and into the conversation for European spots.
For Stewart, the three goals held a little extra sweetness. His father, Pete, is a die-hard Hearts supporter—making a hat-trick against the Hibees the ultimate late birthday present (coming just a day after Burns Night celebrations).
Balancing Books and Goals
Despite his sudden stardom, the Scotland U21 cap remains grounded. He still has a year left of his Sports Science degree in Edinburgh to complete, though he might find it increasingly difficult to walk across campus unnoticed now.
Falkirk’s “Barca-style” football has been the talk of the league this season, and in Barney Stewart, they have found a spearhead who embodies the grit and ambition of the club’s ascent. From the seventh tier to the match ball in the Premiership—the Barney Stewart story is only just beginning.
Bairns fans—is Barney Stewart the best piece of business John McGlynn has ever done? Can he fire us into Europe this season? Let us know in the comments!
Co-Founder of Fitba Focus and MMA UK. A lifelong Rangers fan and former player, he combines over a decade of sports media experience with a deep-seated passion for the Scottish game. From the Ibrox stands to the lower-league terraces, Frankie is dedicated to providing honest, fan-led analysis of the full Scottish pyramid.
