Newcastle United crest 'represents club's history'

Newcastle United fans have said they do not support plans to change the club's crest because the current design "represents its history".

The club said it was consulting with fans on a new emblem because the current design was too intricate to reproduce digitally.

Supporter Daniel Mulligan said: "I know other clubs have done it but [the crest] represents the history of the club and changing it is something I wouldn't support."

But while some fans are disappointed, others say the change is needed to "move with the times".

Newcastle United season ticket holders and club members have been given the chance to voice their opinion on the new badge and will be given a choice of options during the second stage of the consultation.

But a number of fans do not want the crest to change at all.

"The owners have done great things for the club but if they are asking for the opinions of the fans, I think they should stick with the current emblem," Mr Mulligan said.

Chris Tate, the manager of sport memorabilia shop The Back Page, said Newcastle has "one of the best emblems in the world".

"The design captures the history of the city," he said.

"We've got the black-and-white stripes and it's instantly recognisable. I really don't know how you can improve on it."

He said while the crest was not on everything the shop sold, any change to the emblem would have an impact on the business.

He said the current design was a "wonderful crest" and he would be "disappointed" if the club changed it.

Fellow supporter Rachel Riley said altering the badge would be "changing history".

"I don't think it's something we should be doing," she said.

"It will be far too difficult to rebrand Newcastle. You see people with their tops off on sunny days and they've got the tattoo on their arm.

"You can't change that - it is part of the culture here."

Matty Nicholls has a number of Newcastle United tattoos and even shaved a Greggs sausage roll into his head before the Carabao Cup final win.

Speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle, he said the plan to change the crest was not "much of a surprise".

"A lot of teams over recent years have been changing badges, so I guess it's just moving with the times," he said.

"I am sure there will be many fans up and down the country with different opinions but it is going to be hard - you can't please everybody."

But he said he would be happy with the new design as long as it represented Newcastle United and its supporters around the world.

Despite having the current emblem permanently inked on his skin, he is not upset by the prospect of a change in the official logo.

"I've got a little bit more space, so I guess I'll have to use it on the new badge."

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