DARREN BARR

wouldn’t be fair to speculate but the coaches are so hard working. It’s a difficult time for them and the boys – it’s sad for everyone. “They are all trying to make their way and play football as we all did at one time. “I can’t praise Falkirk enough for giving me a start as a player and even as a coach, where I realised there were a lot of good players and coaches coming through. “It’s hard for me to imagine Falkirk without an emphasis on youth because for so many years that is what the club’s been renowned for. “I was quite shocked when I read it because now more than ever clubs are trying to produce their own players. “I am proud of my one Scotland cap and if it wasn’t for Falkirk I might never have had that.

“The list of graduates is so long but what can you do if the club feel this is the road they have to go down?”

Falkirk gave Barr a great grounding and he went on to make almost 200 appearances before moving to Hearts where he lifted the Scottish Cup.

He said: “I was spotted by Falkirk as a teenager while I was playing for Moodiesburn Boys Club. It was a real privilege to be invited through and I was impressed with the set-up.

“They created a great environment where the coaches made you feel welcome and if you were good enough you made the step up.

“John Hughes gave me my chance in the first team.

“It was a club that was always willing to give you a chance so it’s a real shame if the academy won’t run as we knew it.

“It’s a sad thing to hear because I played there and enjoyed my time. I’m indebted to them for giving me a start.”