The debate rages on amongst Newcastle United's fanbase after club announce decision to change badge

While we're not sure what Newcastle United were thinking dropping such a huge bombshell on fans at this stage of the season, the decision to change the club's crest has certainly sparked debate.

There are plenty of fans out there who think that it's practically sacrilegious to even contemplate changing the badge. The same fans who are struggling to come to terms with the idea of leaving St James' Park.

And to be fair, we get it, history is meaningful, and change can be hard.

However, the reality is, the badge is going to change whether we like it or not, so we might as well get on board and make sure we can push the club in the right direction as we have seen some horrific badge changes from clubs over the years.

Don't come for me, I'm just sharing my opinion

At the end of the day, this current badge isn't even as old as me. I was born when the round NUFC logo was a thing, but this current badge is the one I first really remember and is the one I grew up with.

That being said, I understand that badges change over time; this current one isn't the only one we've ever had - yes, it's unique in the modern landscape of roundel badges, but doesn't that also date us somewhat?

I'm not saying we should go with a roundel badge and copy everybody else in the modern era by any means, but a change won't hurt. For me, it will signify the new era under the PIF, a new badge for a more successful Newcastle United.

Do you support the badge or the club?

Lee Forster said it best in our NUFC WhatsApp group yesterday: "I support NEWCASTLE UNITED. And I’ll support whichever badge depicts the club (on the proviso it’s not <expletive deleted> rank)."

The Juventus J design has been a common badge thrown up in the discussion as an example of a 'rank' badge, and I also mentioned that Leeds United one, which fans rejected before it even became a thing.

So while we know that sticking with the current crest is not an option, we absolutely have to make sure the club makes the right decision for whatever they come up with.