NEWCASTLE UNITED

WORN WITH PRIDE

Not many clubs can date their official badge to one of their greatest victories, but Newcastle United can pinpoint its triumphant 1969 Inter-Cities Cup Final against Újpesti Dózsa as the date the city’s crest formally appeared on team shirts for the first time. Over the years the badge has changed with fashion, but history and tradition have remained integral.

In fact, today’s crest still features a version of Newcastle upon Tyne’s coat of arms. Since the mid-1970s it has gone through three modifications, but, much to the joy of the city’s inhabitants, the local connection has been retained in the emblem. The port, with its old ship-building industry, and the castle are both important for the city, and both are reflected in the emblem – significant symbols for the club’s loyal supporters.

Although recent successes have been few and far between, St James’ Park attracts average attendances of more than 50,000, one of the highest figures in English football. In former times, faithful fans could relate to home-grown talent like Jackie Milburn, Peter Beardsley and Paul Gascoigne. The current emblem reminds everyone of Newcastle United’s rich roots.

CLUB: Newcastle United FC

NICKNAME: The Magpies

FOUNDED: 1892

STADIUM: St. James’ Park, Newcastle (52,405 capacity)

HISTORIC PLAYERS: Jackie Milburn, Peter Beardsley, Paul Gascoigne Nolberto Solano, Alan Shearer, Shay Given and Fabricio Coloccini.

1892–1976. From its founding in 1892, the club used Newcastle Upon Tyne’s city coat of arms for cup finals as well as on tickets and on match programmes. The latin motto Fortiter Defendit Triumphans means ‘Triumphing by brave defence’. It wasn’t until 1969 that the crest was transferred onto match shirts.

1976–1983. In the mid-1970s a new emblem was introduced. Vital symbols of the city’s history, such as the River Tyne and the Norman castle, featured prominently. The club’s nickname, the Magpies, was also given a central role. The nickname was inspired by the club’s famous black and white kit.

1983-1988. In 1983 a modern, streamlined design, featuring the club’s often-used ‘NUFC’ lettering in a style that suggested a football, was launched. The only local symbol retained was the magpie. This emblem was worn on the club shirts for the next five years.

1988-present. A brand-new crest was introduced by the end of the 1980s, the club found its way back to its roots with the reintroduction of the city crest to its emblem. The seahorses symbolise Newcastle’s historically significant port. The tower above the shield represents the Norman castle which William the Conqueror’s son, Robert Curthose, erected in 1080 with the name ‘New Castle’. The lion is grasping a flag with a version of the cross of St. George. The shield represents the famous black and white stripes from the kit.

Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer reels away in his trademark goal celebration. A regular sight for the Toon Army, the local-born striker scored 206 goals in 405 appearances for the club.