Coronavirus in Scotland: Partick Thistle alter crest and name as club vows to support fans during Scottish football hiatus

Jags pledge to support fans during coronavirus pandemic

Partick Thistle have altered the club's name and crest

Partick Thistle have changed their name and altered the club crest during Scottish football’s indefinite hiatus.

Rebranding from Partick Thistle Football Club to Partick Thistle Family Club, the Jags have vowed to ensure that no fan feels isolated.

A club statement read: “Partick Thistle Football Club today becomes Partick Thistle Family Club and will strive to ensure the full Thistle family is looked after.

“An updated club crest will be used to promote the message to all fans until football returns - this badge belongs to us all and is free for fans to use and share and to know and show that we are part of the Thistle family.”

The club has pledged to make direct calls to elderly supporters, provide entertainment through the screening of past games, increasing online engagement, providing community information, bringing players closer to the fans and providing exercise tips.

Jags chairman Jacqui Low, speaking on behalf of the club board, added: It’s hard to find the words to do justice to the potential impact of this crisis. However, nothing is more important than people’s health and wellbeing. Nothing is more important than the welfare of our supporters.

“Isolation is a troubling word - we don’t want any fan to suffer and feel socially disconnected. So our message to our family of supporters is clear: your football club is your family and we will be there for you.”

Chief executive Gerry Britton said: “Partick Thistle has always been a family club but never before has that sense of family been so important.

“Football clubs have a unique place in their communities and have proven time and again to be a force for good - not just Thistle, but all the great football clubs across the country.

“Given what we are facing, that positive force can help make a small but very important difference to people’s mindsets.

“Everyone at Firhill will give everything we have to those supporters worried about what lies ahead.”

Thistle boss Ian McCall added: “It was a special pull that brought me back to Firhill and it’s a special feeling that all supporters have for our club.

“Our fans have been there for us through thick and thin. Now they need their club more than ever - especially those vulnerable, elderly, most worried or living alone. I am united with everyone else at the club in saying that we will be doing everything in our power to help the entire Thistle family and make sure we all get through this together.”

Several Scottish clubs have taken a similar approach, with Nairn County of the Highland League pledging to support local businesses during their time of need and Stenhousemuir gearing up to give back to the community.