Monday 20th May, 2019 at 2:51pm
As part of the planning for next season, the Club has had a review of the stadium set-up and away team attendances in 2018/19.
As a result, for the 2019/20 Ladbrokes Championship Season, the away support will be located in Sections 8 and 9 of the Jackie Husband Stand. As part of this move, section 7 will be used as a sterile segregation zone. The sterile zone in front of the accessible viewing platform will also be maintained.
All 40 season ticket holders who will be affected have been contacted directly with alternative seating arranged within either the Jackie Husband or John Lambie Stands.
As a result, the Club is exploring how the concourse in the Colin Weir Stand could be used to create additional pre-match activities for younger fans to give them a better matchday experience.
Although not a straightforward decision, as Thistle Chief Executive, Gerry Britton, explains, there are several factors which make the move the most viable option.
Speaking to ptfc.co.uk, Gerry said:
“First and foremost, we are always looking at ways to funnel as much of the football club’s income into the playing budget as we possibly can. By closing the Colin Weir Stand to opposition fans, we have forecast savings of around £20,000 for the season ahead and that will be diverted directly to the squad playing budget.
“We have trialled the proposed set-up at recent Ladbrokes Championship matches and have seen no adverse implications for security or policing. Nor have we received any negative feedback in relation to supporter experience. By doing this, we are hoping to utilise the Colin Weir Stand concourse for additional pre-match activity aimed specifically at making the matchday experience for our younger fans more engaging and interactive. These plans are still in the early stages but we are excited about the possibilities.
“We will, of course, continue to monitor the situation and, if supporter experience does begin to be affected, for whatever reason, we will look at alternatives. Similarly, the setup will be reviewed ahead of any home cup ties or specific league matches where the opposition support could exceed available capacity in the Jackie Husband Stand.”
Any supporters with any concerns should not hesitate to get in touch with the Club via email ( ) or over the phone (0141 579 1971).
