The only things that are going to get the crowds back are a mix of good matchday experience (includes entertaining football and challenging for promotion) and feeling part of the club. Anyone who thinks it’s just about league position is a fool.
This is where Swann and co really need to start pulling their finger out.
Attending football games often becomes more habit that hobby and we’ve just had the biggest break in spectating games since WW2.
There needs to be an action plan to attract news supporters, and as you rightly pointed out, keeping the hardcore fans feeling valued.