Here's my take on why some fans are not turning up. I was at Firhill yesterday with my 5 year old for the first time this season. I used to be a season ticket holder and went home and away. I loved the 1st division season last when we had a great team. Being a dad of young kids means I can't get over as often as I'd like to for our stay in the top league. I felt the season started too early this year for me anyway what with school summer holidays still being on.
Anyway, my boy loved it yesterday. He got his photo taken with Kingsley, got to shout out "mon the Jags" at the top of his voice, got a pie at half time and got to see his dad shouting at the man in blue in the middle of the park. Although this was his second ever Thistle game and he's yet to see us score he wants me to bring his wee brother along too next time. I've also converted a nephew whose family ties are with the green arsecheek. I can see in a couple of years me and three boys going along to the games and another generation of jags being secured.
I know a few other ex regulars who are in the same boat and get to games as often as they can but nowhere near as much as they used to. These things go in cycles. As long as those who are not going as much for the same reasons as me can encourage the younger fans to come along when the time is right for them then that's all we can do.