Manchester City unveiled the new club badge to fans prior to the Boxing Day game against Sunderland.
The badge, which has been described as a ‘modern original’, follows a 30-day consultation period and a series of lectures on the badges’ history by Manchester football expert Gary James, during which thousands of Cityzens fed back to the club as to whether, and if so how, they wanted the badge to evolve.
Fans also gave their thoughts as to which symbols they considered most reflective of the club and representative of the city of Manchester itself.
The first and most obvious change is to that of a round design, as used in two of the Club’s three previous crests, and which emerged as by far the most popular shape following consultation. Only one third (34%) of supporters expressed a desire to retain the existing eagle badge shape.
Unsurprisingly, the badge is dominated by blue (94%) and white (68%), by far the most popular two colours.
The fans’ three favourite symbols, all of which are integral to the new design were, in order of preference:
- The Manchester ship (85%) which has appeared on all three of the club’s previous badges and symbolises the city’s trading links and its global outlook
- The three rivers (67%) – the Irwell, Medlock and Irk – the lifeblood of the city, featured on Manchester’s coat of arms and which have featured on two of the club’s three previous badges
- The red rose (60%) from the original Manchester coat of arms and one of the past badges, symbolising the Club’s early heritage and historic connection with Lancashire
The three symbols are contained in an evolved version of the current shield, which is larger and features a flatter-top than in the past, echoing that of the Manchester coat of arms. The shield is seen touching the outer ring to bring modernity to the overall badge and to allow the shield to stand alone as a recognisable symbol in its own right.
Notable feedback from Cityzens included a keenness to see more than just the Club’s initials in the badge. Consequently ‘Manchester’ and ‘City’ are prominently displayed in stand-out text on a white outer ring as featured in the club’s last round badge.
Finally, the year of the club’s foundation – 1894- is included for the first time as simple, but visible reminder of the club’s long-standing heritage and constancy.
Hundreds of Cityzens queued for several hours prior to kick off get their first exclusive glimpse of the badge in a specially updated exhibition pod at City Square. The badge was more widely revealed in the stadium moments before kick off.
Speaking of the new design, Manchester Football Historian Gary James, said: “This Club knows how important its heritage is to its fans and it has ensured that those fans being consulted were fully aware of the history behind its previous symbols and I was privileged to play a part in that process with my lectures.
I am most pleased that what has emerged, is a badge that can be described as a modern original – a badge that is authentic to the club and to the city, but with future facing touches. It respects and echoes badges that have come before it, but is not a pastiche of them. Personally I am also thrilled that for the first time, the club’s birthdate is featured. What a perfect statement about how long this club has been around and how far it has come.”
Joe Hart, City’s longest-serving player said: “I am really looking forward to wearing it. It’s something new. This is what I love about this club and the journey I have been on since I’ve been here. There have always been new and exciting things and every one of them positive. It’s no different with this badge. I think it’s great.”
Howard Bernstein, CEO of Manchester City Council, said: “What I find particularly pleasing is how much the words Manchester and City stand out on this badge. With the inclusion of three evocative regional symbols of the ship, the rivers and the rose, there is no doubting that is a badge for a club that is heavily tied to the city in which it resides and to which it has given so much.”
The badge will be launched in the summer ahead of the 2016-17 season.
The badge pod will be open to the public over the festive period at the following times:
Sunday 27th Dec 11am-5pm
Monday 28th Dec 11am-5pm
Tuesday 29th Dec 9am-5.30pm
Wednesday 30th Dec 9am-5.30pm
New Year Eve 9am-5pm
New Year Day Closed
Saturday 2nd Jan 9am-5.30pm
Sunday 3rd Jan 11am-5pm