David Hopkinson releases statement as Newcastle unveil brand new club crest

It's official. We have a brand new club crest at Newcastle United, following two years of work and over 27,000 votes from supporters.

Following this morning's announcement, David Hopkinson has been explaining the thinking behind the updated design and the importance of protecting the identity supporters hold so dear.

Our CEO has mad it clear that supporters have been at the heart of the process from the very beginning. And, according to Hopkinson, the brief was never about starting again.

Hopkinson speaks after new crest announcement

Hopkinson explained that the pride Newcastle supporters have in their club crest made the project a particularly important responsibility for everyone involved.

“I have never worked anywhere that feels as proud and passionate about its crest than the way this club does, so this body of work is an enormous privilege and responsibility for all of us."

The Canadian also revealed that the club went directly to supporters to find out what they wanted from any potential changes to the crest.

“The club has asked supporters questions that we did not know the answers to, and they told us plainly: protect what we have, keep the elements we love, and do not start again.”

That message then became the foundation for the work that followed.

“Every decision after that has been made inside the margins our fans drew, and it is only right that our fans have had the final and decisive say on the outcome.”

Newcastle crest continues to represent the city

Hopkinson also stressed the connection between Newcastle United's crest and the city itself.

“Our crest came from the city's own coat of arms, and it still does.

“It honours where we have come from, it represents who we are now, and it will become an iconic symbol for generations of supporters around the world who believe in it and unite behind it.”

That final point feels key, and a sign that club officials were keen to modernise and maximise, while maintaining tradition. 

While the crest may have been updated, Newcastle are making it clear that this is about evolving an existing identity rather than throwing away what came before.

A year of change continues, as this 'Newcastle United 2.0' not only has a new manager in Matthias Jaissle and new-look squad following a summer of change, but also an updated badge.