Thursday 9th October, 2025 at 5:13am
18 Months of challenges and triumphs at Partick Thistle FC
As I write this in the wake of the Premier Sports Cup quarter final against Celtic, I look back with pride at the contribution that you the fans, the staff & our volunteers played to make the occasion memorable. Of course, the result was not what we hoped, but the atmosphere, tifo display, vocal support and organisation was second to none and gives me confidence that our future is in good hands.
Next Month, the club’s AGM will mark the end of the first ever term for Fan Representative Directors. Although I could stand for re-election, after 4 years of Jags Foundation board membership, office volunteering and as a Fan Representative Director, I am minded not to seek re-election, to allow fresh blood into the role and if I am being honest, I owe my family. I have put a lot of time & effort into these 4 years and, often at the expense of my family life. It now feels the right time to redress that balance.
I will of course, agree a plan to ensure a smooth transition of my duties to the new incoming fan rep(s).
The Role and Responsibilities
When I took on this role, I knew the responsibility would be considerable. My top priority was to ensure that every decision made in the boardroom was taken with the impact on fans in mind. Whether it is discussing club strategy, engaging with community initiatives, or scrutinising financial decisions, I have worked to make your voice heard. This has not always been easy; we are a broad church and fans’ views can be diverse. It is also the case that often the views expressed on social media by a few can be interpreted as the views of the majority. This I have found is often not the case. My role has been to listen to those diverse views, seek independent corroboration from fans through dialogue to inform my input into any boardroom discussion. I have consistently taken this approach. I will admit I have got some things wrong, however, most times I believe I have managed to influence the board’s direction in considering the fans in decision making.
Supporter Engagement
I have worked with fellow board members and club staff to improve and expand communication channels between the club and our supporters. This area is in its infancy and there is still much work to be done. However, through face to face, telephone and email dialogue, Q&A sessions, video interviews, programme and website articles we are making inroads in this area. I am proud to say that any contact that has been made directly by any fan to myself has been answered. Whether that is to help with a problem, answer a query, deal with a complaint, or discuss and debate views on a topic, they have all been answered, even when that has been personally uncomfortable.
Thank You
Thank you for your passion, your patience, and your support. It has been an absolute honour to represent and serve you over the past 4 years and as a lifelong supporter, born in Ruchill, it has been a dream come true. I look forward to returning to the JHS and the Aitken bar! on match days. If you see me don’t be a stranger, come up, say hello, and talk football
Allan McGraw
