Newcastle United - why the constant change? If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it

A club crest beloved by all and complained about by none is the latest Newcastle United mainstay at risk of extinction. And the obvious reaction is… why?

The club announced at noon that season ticket holders and members will be consulted regarding a possible change to Newcastle’s badge, currently the oldest in the Premier League. If the St James’ Park decision - yet to be formally announced despite supporters being promised an “early 2025” breakthrough - is anything to go by, their opinions will hold little weight.

Some will argue “it is only a badge” - that remains true. But without wanting to sound stubborn or entrenched to a halcyon era that never existed, is change always better?

We are three-and-a-half years into a relatively new age at St James’ Park and the on-field transformation has been drastic. Newcastle are regular contenders for Champions League football, boasting an abundance of superstar players who could not have signalled Tyneside on a map during Mike Ashley’s apathetic ownership.

Nobody can complain about that - this is what was promised when PIF parked their tanks on the Premier League lawn. But there were zero detractors towards the crest. This is change for change’s sake, the latest tip-toe in the direction of over-commercialisation.

A new stadium and crest beckons. Heck, why don't they go full belt and rebrand the club as Newcastle Magpies to appeal to a global market? That was a joke, Darren Eales and Peter Silverstone, before you get carried away…

It is possible to make progress while acknowledging tradition. The club played a blinder on the stadium debate. Three years ago, the prospect of tearing St James’ Park down would have been sacrilege. Mackem behaviour at its finest.

However, little nuggets of information, over time, was enough to shift the consensus. For all the vitriol on social media regarding the badge, expect that to subside in the coming weeks and months.

Donning the same crest since 1988 is something no other top-flight club can claim. Why follow the crowd? Be proud Magpies, rather than conforming sheep.

There will be NewcastleWorld readers who view this article as petty or unnecessary. Perhaps you agree with a stadium rebuild, but not the crest, or vice versa. But simply put, not everything should be torn down or tweaked under the guise of “needing to compete” with the elite.

Tradition is important - this is a region steeped in it. While minor on the eye some, changing the crest is an unfortunate microcosm of Newcastle's off-field direction.

Peter Silverstone comments following Newcastle United arrival revisited

Newcastle’s heritage and culture, ironically, were important to Silverstone when announced as Chief Commercial Officer. He told the club website: "I am delighted, and honoured, to join Newcastle United as the club embarks on its exciting journey to build a sustainable, leading, Premier League and European club.

“Achieving that position will reward the unrivalled passion and loyalty of the incredible Newcastle United fans. I am committed to immersing myself in the heritage and culture of this giant club, and the vibrant city of Newcastle, while building and leading a talented and diverse commercial operation that will deliver the commercial success vital to power the fans' and the club's ambitious growth plans."