Vote on new badge leaves City supporters on crest of a wave

FANS HAVE SHAPED CITY'S NEW BADGE DESIGN. PETE SMITH REPORTS...

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STOKE City were keen to make sure that the decision to change the club badge or not was in the hands of supporters as they get ready to welcome in a new era next summer.

Stoke have held lengthy consultation with the fanbase both through meetings at the stadium and online, involving surveys, feedback on potential designs and finally a vote about whether to stick or twist. It came out twist by a landslide.

The club is now preparing for a phased transition to the new crest, a shield divided into quadrants that feature red and white stripes, the year of formation, a kiln and a Staffordshire knot.

Every element has been open for discussion, from font to shape, icons and colours.

Chief operating officer Simon King said: "The big thing we did differently was that we took it to a vote.

"The majority have done a consultation and then put a design together to say, 'Here is your new badge.' We really did put the decision into the hands of the supporters and if 68 to 32 swing was the other way we would be sat here saying we were retaining our current crest.

"It's been something that's unique. We really wanted this to be a fan-led decision, even if the club guided the direction of travel.