EVERTON, still without a manager after the departure of David Moyes to Manchester United, have been forced into an embarrassing climbdown over the design of the new club crest, which prompted protests from more than 23,000 fans.
A simplified badge design was officially unveiled last weekend but did not go down well with supporters, who flocked to sign an online petition condemning it. Now the Merseyside club has responded with what The Guardian calls a "grovelling apology" and a promise to redesign the badge next summer.
The new-look logo dispensed with the club's Latin motto "Nil Satis Nisi Optimum" (nothing but the best is good enough) and two laurel wreaths, and was almost universally panned.
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The petition called the badge "awful" while commenters who added their names to the campaign dubbed it "amateurish", "poorly designed" and "ridiculous".
Now Everton have reacted to the criticism by promising to make amends next summer. In a statement on its official website the club said it was "sorry" and added: "We regret we didn't ask every Evertonian about something that matters so much to every one of you."
The club has promised to look at the design of the crest again at the end of next season and pledged that "Evertonians will make the final decision" on a new badge. The process will be overseen by a panel of Everton fans who will "develop ideas and put forward suggestions" to be voted on.
However, nothing can be done about the coming season. Merchandise featuring the new-look logo is already on sale and it is too late for Nike, who provide the Everton kit, to change the design for next season's shirts.
After the furore over the new badge, club officials will be holding their breath as they await reaction to the new home shirts for 2013-14, which will not be unveiled until later this summer.
