'There's nothing wrong with it': Infamous football pundit weighs in on news surrounding Newcastle United's upcoming badge change

Last week, Newcastle United dropped the bombshell that they will be looking to change their iconic badge in a bid to modernise their branding for the modern age.

The club believes that the current badge is too intricate to replicate on a mass scale, and while we have seen some dodgy-looking embroidery on the badge at times, it has done well for us in a more analogue age, so it seems odd that today's technology suddenly can't keep up.

A workshop is being held on Wednesday where fans will get to voice their opinions on the badge change, but one thing that seems certain is that, no matter what anybody says, it is going to change in some form or another.

The club aren't suggesting a drastic reimagining, although that option does remain on the table, but a refresh to bring it into the 21st century.

Andy Gray is in favour of keeping the current badge as is

The announcement sparked huge debate, and while I sit on the side of updating the badge (as long as it looks good), I can absolutely sympathise the resistance to change. In a world of redesigned badges, ours stands out more and more.

Now disgraced former Sky Sports pundit Andy Gray has offered up his opinion while on beIN Sport (via The Chronicle).

"There is nothing wrong with it in my opinion. I am not a Newcastle fan.

"But I have known and seen that badge all my football career. I'm sorry no. I hope the fans don't get rid of this. I hope the fans vote to keep it.

"Just because it is a modern world, does that mean we have to change everything? Tradition is something we hold dearly in sports.

"I think the vast majority of Newcastle United do not want to see it go. There is always someone, somewhere wants to change something."

It feels like the right thing to do but they have to get it right

If I weren't already in support of the change, he'd definitely have swayed me to that side. I just find it a good rule of thumb to go against whatever he says.

Since the PIF took over, a badge change has felt inevitable, but now we're a few years into the new ownership, it almost feels imperative.

I absolutely love the current badge, don't get me wrong, it has been with me from childhood to whatever mess this part of my life is, but the club has changed massively since the takeover and this very much feels like a new era, and therefore a new identity could really emphasise this turning point in the club's history.

Again, though, I reiterate, the design must be good and still retain some character and soul.