Port Vale: Fans asked to rule on new crest
PORT Vale's new owners are asking for supporters' permission to change the club's crest.
Paul Wildes and Norman Smurthwaite want to replace the current crest, which has been in place since 1986, and instead bring back the design which was introduced in 1956 and used for the majority of Roy Sproson's playing days at Vale Park.
Supporters can vote on the change by emailing the club. If a majority are in favour, the crest will change from the start of next season for a trial period of 12 months. Fans will then be asked if they want to keep the badge for the long term.
The 1956 design is derived from the Burslem coat of arms. However, the proposed new badge will also feature the slogan: "For all those who have gone before."
Call WHITEGATES Today 01782 209935 ..Limited offer. Available only up on production of voucher. Sell your home for £399 plus vat.* #EPC is required to market your home not included in offer.
Terms: *Upfront payment, non-refundable in the event of property remaining unsold, being withdrawn from the market or being sold by another agent, yourself or by any other means.#EPC £62.50 plus vat.
Contact: 01782 209 935
Valid until: Thursday, July 04 2013
Vale chairman Paul Wildes said: "We wanted something which could be the start of reconnecting the club to supporters.
"We walk past the Sproson statue every morning and it triggers memories of when the club was more successful than it has been for the last 10 years.
"The crest we would like was used for most of Roy Sproson's career and we would like to bring it back.
"We hope it evokes memories for fans. That might be of a special player or of fellow supporters; it might bring back memories of going to your first game with a loved one."
Fans have until 5pm on January 24 to vote on the crest.
Wildes added: "We only want to do this if it is something the supporters want.
"It is a vote and we are under no illusions that we will get opinions, both positive and negative. But if we did make the change, it would only be for 12 months. After that, we would come back and ask people if they wanted to make the change permanent."
The club have already consulted the supporters' club committee.
Chairman Pete Williams said: "I think the change is a good idea. We have new owners and this is a new era, so it is a good time to change.
"The design the club want to reintroduce is the classic Vale crest and I feel the majority of supporters will support the change.
"But I am delighted to see the club are consulting supporters about the change. It shows they are already thinking of the fans more than some other owners have."
Vale historian Phil Sherwin is also in favour of the change. He added: "In my opinion, the badge they want to reintroduce is the best the club have had."
To vote on whether the new crest should be adopted, fans are asked to email vote@pvfccrest.co.uk stating simply "yes" or "no" in the subject line.
Comments
by Dave_Eccy
Thursday, January 10 2013, 5:44PM
“I've only been a season ticket holder for the past 21 years since moving to staffordshire so have only known the current badge, signifying Staffordshire by the knot and the the potteries by the kiln. Must admit apart from the football in the middle I'm struggling to get the other logos on the proposed crest, I think I can make out a couple of urns, but the other 2 are beyond me, can anyone help explain?
I would prefer to keep the Staffordshire knot on the crest, signifying the appeal of Vale to the supporters from wider Staffordshire area (like me).
As for the words, I agree they are a bit sombre, the retro logo is the aknowledgement of the past, but we should be reflecting the anticipation of the future, I like the idea of using Valiant somewhere this implies a strong resolution.
Great that the fans are being canvassed”
by ReggieParker
Thursday, January 10 2013, 5:35PM
“The re-use of the Burslem town crest is a welcome return imho. But the motto, although I applaud the sentiment, is a bit iffy cheese wise. If we use a slogan, capture the same message in Latin something like "Pro Omnibus Nobis" which translates as "For All Before Us" or use the motto of the original Burslem town crest 'Ready' which imo suggests a readiness for the next stage of the Vale's story..
Anyway, here's to the future..”
by Can_Vale
Thursday, January 10 2013, 4:34PM
“The idea of a new badge is a fair one but I'm not convinced of the 'retro appeal' of this badge. It's nice that the owners want to identify with a more successful period in the club's history, however I'd prefer that the club position itself for a new era of promise with a new badge, perhaps with some subtle nods to past successes. Kudos for effort and consultation though - you have people talking and are generating interest, which I assume is part of your bigger goal here. Keep up the good work!”
by pensioner46
Thursday, January 10 2013, 4:32PM
“I like the new badge but I do find the wording a little sombre, why not forward all Valiants”
by gpinspain
Thursday, January 10 2013, 3:35PM
“for me ...the idea of a new badge is a really good idea .....but this badge for me is a nothing....the slogan....NO......and much better designs could replace the 4 central motiffs.....why not have a competition in conjunction with the sentinel/radio stoke/schools in the city.....maybe just open to students and schoolchildren ......they are the future”
by stokeandvale
Thursday, January 10 2013, 1:43PM
“ITS JUST A PLOY TO SELL SHIRTS WITH THE NEW BADGE, CAN'T ANYONE SEE WHAT THERE UP TO!”
by Stevie_Cole
Thursday, January 10 2013, 12:38PM
“Forgive me, but.... should it not be "whom" not "who" in this instance?”
by P_Swan
Thursday, January 10 2013, 11:04AM
“Yes the slogan is pretty cheesy!!..........'you'll never walk alone' la la guff.
I must say i kinda would like to see a twist on the mounted valiant knight as a new badge even using the current badge as the knights shield.
I married to an illustrator so my life has been full of logo's!!!.....aaaggh!”
by Glennard
Thursday, January 10 2013, 10:10AM
“Like the old badge - not sure about the slogan, which seems a bit cheesy to me. Also not sure how it will look on a modern shirt.
Top marks to the club for actually bothering to ask us - so many good vibes coming out of Vale Park at the moment.”
by ShepVale
Thursday, January 10 2013, 8:46AM
“I prefer the old one - but I am more old school !”