WHOLESALE changes on the pitch are expected following Falkirk’s plunge into the third tier for the first time in 39 years.

Defender Paul Dixon, however, insists any alterations behind the scenes should be kept to a minimum - despite widespread criticism of the board and manager Ray McKinnon’s failure to keep the Bairns in the Championship.

Victory over champions Ross County on a dramatic final day of the campaign on Saturday was not enough after Alloa secured the point they needed at Ayr United to avoid being caught.

Home fans protested against the directors at full-time, while a 200-strong crowd gathered at the main entrance after the game to make their feelings clear.

But former Dundee United left-back Dixon, who joined in January from Grimsby, sees things differently.

"It’s a very, very good club and 100 per cent it will bounce back", said the 32-year-old.

“It’s very well run from above. I saw that as soon as I walked in the door.

“The chair, Margaret Lang, and her directors, right down to the kitman, everyone is professional.

“I’m pretty sure we will bounce back.

“Personally from what I’ve experienced at this club the fans’ reaction is unfair.

“But the fans pay their money and they are entitled to their opinion.”

The supporters’ may get their wish come the start of next season with Falkirk said to be considering three separate takeover bids, including a fan ownership proposal.

However, Dixon is adamant that McKinnon, who replaced Paul Hartley last August, is the right man to revive the Bairns despite the campaign ending in the worst possible way.

Dixon, who played under McKinnon at United, added: “The only reason I am at this club is to work with him again.

“If you take the league position out of it, he’s made me enjoy my football again.

“I was on the brink of giving up football. My time at Grimbsy had sickened me completely.

“But I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at this football club and I’ll have to sit down with the manager and the board and see what happens.

“But I’d be happy to be here if they want me to stay. This place has made me enjoy my football again.

“I’ll need to see what they say to me over the next week or so.”

Falkirk took the lead in the 27th minute through Zak Rudden but goals from Ross Stewart and Iain Vigurs in the 58th and 73rd minute gave the league champions the lead.

The Bairns again gave themselves hope of surviving when Ciaran McKenna and Jordan McGhee struck two goals in two minutes but ultimately it was not enough as they finished bottom on goal difference behind Queen of the South.

Brian Graham, meanwhile, has hit out at Falkirk defender McKenna even though the County striker appeared to strike the face of the centre-half in an off-the-ball tussle.

Graham was booked by referee Steven McLean over the second-half incident and went on to set up his side’s two goals.

Graham said: “He has tried to con the referee. Every time I went in the box he tried to give me a cuddle.

“We’re playing football, not wrestling, and I tried to shake him off and he fell the floor.

“It’s a disgrace him trying to get me sent me off but if that is the way he wants to do it then so be it.

“All I did was ask the referee to protect me and to be fair to Steven McLean he allowed me to get on with my game.”