The Irons badge…to change or not to change

The debate has begun on whether the current badge should be altered in the run up to our move to the Olympic Stadium.

I will concentrate on the two main proposals; adding the word London and the possible removal of the castle.

Personally I think the current badge could do with an update, having last been changed in 1997 to soften the castle features.

Let’s tackle the castle first. After 2017 there will be no castle as the Boleyn ground will be transformed into housing and shops.

There is strong historical evidence that the Boleyn castle

a) Wasn’t a castle anyway

and b) had no connection to Anne Boleyn.

Green Street House was built  in 1544, eight years after her the execution.  A couple of turrets were added two years later to enhance the beauty of the ground and  that is why it was called a castle by locals. It was demolished in 1955.

The tacky yellow castles were emerged  in 2001 during the rebuilding of West stand and have made us a laughing stock for visiting supporters –  they will not be missed when demolished in 2017.

Traditionalists won’t  want change but the removal of the castle doesn’t bother me in the slightest but I would not support it being replaced by the Olympic Stadium.

The more contentious issue in my opinion is the use of the word London on the badge.

Traditionalists will point out West Ham was originally part of Essex and not at the heart of London but we have to understand that the Premier League is now a global brand.

I am sure many overseas supporters do not automatically know West Ham is a London club and I do see the attraction of associating  the Hammers to a super brand like London.

Many will say it should say East of London, Pride of London, Made in London but I don’t see an issue with a small discreet London somewhere on the badge.

I know football supporters do not like talking about marketing and brands but the most successful Premier league teams such as Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal do it so well. We need to as well if we are to complete on the global stage.

If we want better football and one day achieve a European dream we need to generate more money so in the end we need to be a global player with a global brand.

For those reasons I back a change of the badge but I agree with the club that the majority of fans should decide.