Sunday 7th September, 2025 at 4:15pm
Whether you are a lifelong Thistle supporter or new to the Club, the fact that you turn up at The Wyre Stadium at Firhill says something really important: you care.
And that’s the key, the power that fans have. Not just to cheer from the Stands or moan about the ref, but to actually shape the future of our club. To help it grow and to help it thrive.
Because let’s be honest—most Clubs at our level are in a tough spot.
We don’t have multi-million pound TV deals, mega sponsors or global brands behind us but what we do have is something much more meaningful: We Are Thistle.
I’d like to share some practical, realistic ways that all supporters can increase both revenue and attendance—two things that we really need more of.
Can Jags Fans Be the Club’s Biggest Promoters?
Promotion doesn’t start with the marketing department—it starts with the fans. Each of us has the power to spread the word. You might not realise it, but when you post a matchday photo on Instagram, or tweet about a great goal, or even just chat about the game at work—you’re promoting the club.
A lot of people don’t realise yet that we’re worth watching. It’s up to us to change that. Tell your mates. Invite a colleague. Encourage your neighbours. And don’t stop at just talking—bring them to a game. Just one visit could turn a casual observer into a regular fan.
Jags’ Fans Can Create an even more Unforgettable Matchday Experience
People don’t just come to football for the scoreline—they come for the experience. And as fans, we are a huge part of that.
Let’s make every home game feel like an event. Let’s bring even more colour, noise, warmth, and passion. Sing a chant. Greet a newcomer – they’re easy to spot! We can be loud and welcoming. We can turn a quiet match into a brilliant memory for someone attending their very first game.
Especially for families and young fans—if we make their first visit fun, there’s a good chance they’ll be back.
Please Engage With the Club’s Leadership
This is something that doesn’t get talked about enough.
The relationship between fans and Club Directors/staff should be a partnership—not a power struggle.
Let’s speak to board members and staff constructively. Let’s ask: “What can we do to help? How can we contribute ideas or time?” The best clubs are the ones where the leadership listens, and where the fans collaborate.
If we want better facilities, smarter marketing or something else —let’s have that conversation with the people who can make it happen. Not just on Facebook, but face to face
Help the Club Tap into the Local Universities and Colleges
Now this one is massive. Our local universities and college campuses are full of students looking for fun, affordable things to do. Football is a perfect fit. But too often, they don’t even know the club exists—or think it’s “not for them.”
So let’s fix that.
The Club has already created student ticket deals and linked up with student unions, sports societies and academic departments. Those connections benefit both sides: students get experience, and we get energy, creativity, and most importantly—new supporters.
If just 1% of the local student population came to games regularly, we’d see a huge difference in both atmosphere and income.
Get involved – let us see what the Jags fans (especially aged between 17 & 23) can being to the student party. Get in touch with the Club if you’d like to help.
Volunteer and Lend a Hand
Clubs like Thistle often survive because of people like us. Fans who give their time—week in, week out.
Whether it’s manual or clerical – or both – your time is as valuable as your money.
And if you’re not sure where to help, ask. The Club will certainly welcome the support.
On a Match Day Firhill is full of IT engineers, lawyers, sales executives, construction and logistics specialists – the list is endless and it’s all potentially valuable to the Club.
We have a mass of talent within our ranks – let’s make it work.
Can Jags Fans Help Bring in Local Sponsors and Run Fundraisers?
Local businesses are more likely to sponsor a club when they see engaged fans who are active and visible. When we share and thank sponsors online, or support the businesses that support our club, we’re building that eco-system. Tell anyone that will listen that Sponsorship and Advertising at Firhill is a worthwhile activity.
And fundraising? That’s not about shaking a bucket—it’s about being creative. Organise quiz nights, or anything else that utilises our Event Spaces – The Alan Rough, The Aitken Suite, The ’71 Club, The Cairnhill Lounge, The Boardroom…. These events raise money and help build stronger bonds in the community.
We Love to Travel and Support the Team Away
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of away fans. When we show up in numbers, we send a message: this club matters.
Players feel it. Opposing fans notice it. Away support isn’t just a sign of loyalty—it’s a long-term investment in club culture.
To Close…
Partick Thistle isn’t just about what happens on the pitch. It’s about people. It’s about us. And at Championship level in a Fan Owned Club, we, the fans, have more power than we realise.
We can be promoters, creators, fundraisers, and leaders. We can fill empty seats. We can generate revenue. We can turn our club into something that younger generations will want to be a part of.
So let’s not wait for someone else to do it. Let’s be the reason our club grows. Let’s be the reason our attendance rises. Let’s be the reason the next young fan falls in love with the badge.
This club needs you. And I believe—with the passion we’ve seen so far this season—we can do something special.
Let’s get to work. OTIG.
Alistair Gray Fan Rep Director
