Falkirk have rejected a series of offers from Dundee United for midfielder Brad Spencer, with manager John McGlynn saying the bids were “embarrassing” and that the 30-year-old is not for sale while under contract.
- Falkirk rejected at least three offers from Dundee United for Brad Spencer.
- Manager John McGlynn described the bids as "embarrassing" and said Spencer is not for sale while under contract.
- Reports say offers were six-figure sums but McGlynn said they were far below Falkirk's valuation.
- Dundee United have not issued an official response in the supplied coverage.
What was said
McGlynn told reporters that Falkirk have refused at least three approaches from Dundee United for Spencer. He described the offers as “miles off” the club’s valuation and said the club had repeatedly made clear the player was not available.
“We have continuously told them for some time now that Brad’s not for sale,” McGlynn said, according to multiple reports. He added that the bids were so low those involved in putting them together “must have been embarrassed” when writing them.
Confirmed facts and what's reported
- Falkirk have rejected three offers from Dundee United for Brad Spencer — reported by BBC Sport and other outlets.
- Brad Spencer is 30 and, according to Falkirk, has almost two years remaining on his contract with an option for a further 12 months. (This contractual detail was stated by Falkirk’s manager in press coverage.)
- Local and national outlets describe Dundee United’s offers as six-figure in sum, but McGlynn said those bids were far below Falkirk’s valuation and would not be accepted.
- McGlynn said Spencer is available for selection and will remain at Falkirk unless the board—the club says it is fan-owned—accepts an offer they judge acceptable.
Why this matters
Spencer is described by McGlynn as a key player for Falkirk, a club that finished above Dundee United in the previous season’s top six. Losing a pivotal midfielder to a direct competitor would have immediate sporting implications for Falkirk and could strengthen a Premiership rival; that appears to be a central reason for the club’s firm stance.
For Dundee United, interest in Spencer follows their acquisition earlier in the window of Dylan Tait — a player mentioned in some local coverage — and suggests United are looking to reinforce their midfield options. The clubs face each other in domestic competition, increasing the sensitivity of any transfer between them.
Context and constraints
Reporting indicates the offers included “six-figure” sums but does not provide an official figure. McGlynn emphasised Spencer’s existing contract term and Falkirk’s position as a fan-owned club, underlining that any sale would require board approval.
Different outlets repeat McGlynn’s strongest language about the bids being “embarrassing”; there is consistent attribution to the Falkirk manager for that characterisation. Dundee United have not been quoted in the reports assembled for this article, and there is no official statement from them in the supplied evidence packet.
Timeline of the reported developments
- Prior to 27 August 2026 — Dundee United submit multiple approaches to Falkirk for Brad Spencer (reports state at least three bids).
- 27 August 2026 — Falkirk reject the offers; manager John McGlynn publicly criticises the bids as “embarrassing” and reiterates that Spencer is under contract and not for sale.
- Following the rejection — media coverage repeats McGlynn’s comments and reiterates the club’s stance; no public response from Dundee United is included in the available sources.
What comes next
The immediate next steps are for Falkirk’s board to maintain or alter their stance should Dundee United return with revised proposals. McGlynn indicated the club will not accept the offers already submitted. For Dundee United, the options are to lodge an improved bid that meets Falkirk’s valuation, pursue alternative targets, or step away from the pursuit.
From a squad perspective, McGlynn stated Spencer remains part of Falkirk’s plans and was available for selection for their upcoming trip to Celtic, according to local reporting. Any change in Spencer’s status would depend on formal negotiations and an agreement acceptable to Falkirk’s board and the player.
Practical implications for fans and bettors
Fans of both clubs should treat current reports as reflecting an ongoing negotiation rather than a completed transfer. Falkirk supporters can expect the club to resist low offers, while Dundee United followers should consider this story active until either club issues an official statement confirming a deal or United publicly withdraw their interest.
Reporting notes and sources
This article is based on reporting from BBC Sport, the Falkirk Herald, STV News and other local outlets published on 27 August 2026. Direct quotations and characterisations are attributed to Falkirk manager John McGlynn in those reports. There was no official statement from Dundee United in the evidence provided.
Key takeaway: Falkirk have rejected at least three bids from Dundee United for Brad Spencer; manager John McGlynn calls the offers “embarrassing” and says Spencer is under contract and not for sale unless the club board decides otherwise.