Scott Bain has opened up on his decision to leave Celtic after seven years at the club, sealing a move to Falkirk.
The goalkeeper cut short his Hoops contract by a year to seek regular first-team football under John McGlynn.
Bain arrived at Celtic in 2018 from Dundee, playing his part during a period of domestic dominance. But with game time limited in recent seasons, the 33-year-old felt the time was right to move on. Rather than see out the final year of his deal, Bain chose to prioritise playing opportunities and his young family.
His move to Falkirk brings the chance for consistent minutes on the pitch, while offering his family more chances to watch him in action, something that’s been missing while serving primarily as backup and third choice at Celtic Park.
Bain explained what led to his departure from the Scottish champions.
He said: (STV News), “I think I was getting to the age now, where if I stayed on at Celtic for another year, as much as I loved being there and loved the club, I would have been another year older, and it would have been harder to get back to playing regular football.
“A big thing for me was for my fiancé and little boy potentially getting the chance to come and watch me play, which will be a different experience for them than it’s been for the last couple of years.
“So that was a big factor, as was getting the chance to come to Falkirk and work under the manager and the staff here.
“Seeing how well the club is run was another big factor in me coming here.”
Bain’s move shows the choice many players face approaching their mid-thirties, keep chasing game time or stay at a big club with fewer chances to play. For him, the chance to get back on the pitch was more important than sitting on the bench for another season at Celtic.
At Falkirk, he joins a side looking to build on recent success under McGlynn. The Bairns will gain from Bain’s years of experience in Scottish football, both in the league and in Europe, as they push for a strong campaign.
Though Bain leaves Celtic with plenty of winners’ medals, his time there was marked just as much by his attitude as his appearances. Now at Falkirk, he has the chance to play regularly again and make an impact on the park.
