Newcastle United is assuring fans that they will have the ultimate decision regarding the design of the new club crest, although they acknowledge that a leaked image is indeed a badge they have created.

Confidential sources have confirmed that several individuals who attended a workshop at St James’ Park on Wednesday evening received a presentation and were asked to provide their feedback.

This follows a letter from the Newcastle United Supporters Trust (NUST) to CEO Darren Eales, raising concerns about the club’s ‘consultation’ process. The NUST argues that a fan survey did not adequately meet the FA’s guidelines for consulting on changes to a ‘heritage asset’.

A brand executive said the club would not have felt comfortable if they started the process without believing ‘there is a solution’, but added: ‘That is not to say this is the crest’. It was then stressed that, during the second stage of consultation, fans will have the ‘the say’ on its design.

However, the nature of the crest they have worked on is causing a little concern among supporters. And, if I’m giving my opinion, I can understand why. For me, it looks like the current badge has been put through an anime filter.

My children watch a lot of Ninjago (a TV show inspired by Asian ninjas) and the artwork around that immediately sprung to mind. If any good comes from the leak, it should be that the club need to think again if this was the best of their prototypes.

I believe that message was also relayed to some staff at the workshop, during which the brand and design team outlined the difficulties of the current crest. It was labelled ‘not fit for purpose’ in a digital age and staff revealed the new badge has to work at sizes from 5mm through to the giant images on stadiums.

There is also a desire to use embroidered crests rather than ‘patches’ on jerseys. So intricate is the current badge, embroidery has been increasingly difficult from a production perspective in recent years.

There were some lighter moments in the room on Wednesday, when concept crests designed by supporters were displayed – one with Eddie Howe smoking a cigar on top of the Castle Keep, the other with the Geordie Dancer replacing the seahorses!

Finally, I don’t have an issue with the badge change – I understand the limitations of the current crest – but, like supporters, I would stress that consultation must mean consultation, especially if it means avoiding designs that are more Far East than North East.

DAN’S A FAN OF EDDIE

Eddie Howe’s name is certain to feature prominently when Dan Ashworth begins the search for the next England manager.

The former Newcastle sporting director was appointed as the FA’s first chief football officer this week, with strategic oversight across the men and women’s teams.

One of Ashworth’s first tasks will be establishing the succession plan for Thomas Tuchel – whose contract expires after the 2026 World Cup – alongside chief executive Mark Bullingham and technical director John McDermott.

Given we understand Ashworth suggested Howe as a successor to Erik ten Hag during his brief stay at Old Trafford, it is likely he will again recommend the Newcastle head coach.

There was some suggestion the pair’s relationship had deteriorated during Ashworth’s acrimonious exit from St James’ Park last year, but that was not the case.

Howe respected Ashworth because of the manner in which, following his arrival, he did not attempt to overhaul practices that were working well. The Magpies boss also appreciated the neutral perspective he offered and admired his people skills, both internally and externally.

Ashworth never became part of Howe’s inner circle at the training ground but there was a mutual respect and understanding, and it delivered results on the pitch.

Newcastle, then, will be braced for interest in Howe when the FA’s focus shifts to identifying Tuchel’s successor next year. There remains a chance the German could extend his tenure if England perform well at the World Cup.

Howe was linked with the England job last summer but, at 47, he does not see himself leaving the club game, preferring to work on a daily basis with players. That is sure to remain the case, but Ashworth’s new role will as good as guarantee the Newcastle boss is sounded out when the time comes to consider replacing Tuchel.

HOWE’S STANCE ON HARVEY

Confidential reported last week that Aston Villa held an interest in Harvey Barnes, whereas Newcastle like Villa’s attacking midfielder Jacob Ramsey, giving rise to talk of a swap deal which would help both clubs comply with profit and sustainability rules (PSR).

We can now reveal this was first floated in January – from the Villa end – at a time when Barnes was out of the Newcastle team and Villa were looking to get their books in order ahead of June’s PSR deadline. It did not happen then – Barnes suffered a thigh injury in the middle of the month – but there has been fresh talk in some circles of a deal being revisited.

However, the message back to Confidential this week is that Eddie Howe does not want to lose Barnes, 27, ahead of next season. He has started the last nine matches, scoring four and assisting four, and has shown his worth during his first run of consistent games since joining the club in 2023. Villa were also interested back then.

Barnes is said to be settled on Tyneside and, with Newcastle set to combine Premier League and Champions League campaigns next term, it appears more likely he will stay at St James’ Park. The winger has also shown his versatility by starting or moving to the right wing in recent matches.

Ramsey, meanwhile, retains admirers within Newcastle’s coaching and recruitment set-up. The 23-year-old has two years to run on his contract and Villa could decide the time is right to sell this summer, especially amid PSR concerns.

BOTMAN UPDATE

Sven Botman is still hopeful of playing again this season after a scan on his injured knee, with Confidential told the problem is not thought to be serious.

However, we have been here before with the defender and it would appear the sensible decision, like with team-mate Joelinton and his knee issue, is to rest until the summer.

Botman returned ahead of schedule at the end of last month following a nine-match absence, and on Sunday against Chelsea he started for the first time since January. He needed ice treatment on his knee at half-time and was replaced in the 55th minute.

The 25-year-old made his comeback from a cruciate ligament injury in early January but suffered a setback before the end of the month, leading to fears his season was over. There is a chance that could now be the case, but sources say the player has not given up this week on featuring again this term.

Botman has not trained in recent days, making him a serious doubt for Sunday’s trip to Arsenal, and Eddie Howe is set to provide an update on Friday morning. The final game of the season is at home to Everton a week on Sunday.

DORTMUND DUO WATCHED

Newcastle scouts have been on the list to watch Borussia Dortmund in recent weeks, and Confidential has been told of two players upon whom reports have been returned – goalkeeper Gregor Kobel and winger Jamie Gittens.

The club’s desire to sign a keeper this summer is well-known, and we understand the asking price for Burnley’s James Trafford is around £30million. The 22-year-old remains the top target.

However, work continues to identify alternatives and Kobel, 27, is highly rated. He is a Switzerland team-mate of Fabian Schar and has Champions League experience, including two clean sheets against Newcastle last season.

Gittens, meanwhile, is of interest to a host of Premier League clubs, with Newcastle among them along with Chelsea and Arsenal.

The England Under 21s star has scored 12 times this season from 34 starts and, with a release clause that will fall from £50m if Dortmund fail to make the Champions League, a move to the Premier League is on the cards. The 20-year-old is versatile and can play on both wings as well as in behind a striker.

I spoke to him after a Dortmund game a couple of seasons back and he was engaging and bright. My colleagues in Germany were very excited about his potential and his development has led to interest from Europe’s top sides.

CASTING THE NET

Sticking with the Toon’s talent spotters, they have also been in attendance at the Under 20s Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt this month. The tournament has been a proving ground for the likes of Mohamed Salah and Andre Ayew in years past. 

This is all part of Paul Mitchell’s plan to widen the net when it comes to identifying talent. Likewise, we should expect to see scouts in the stands when the Under 21s European Championship takes place in Slovakia this summer.

TOON TEASER

Last week, we asked you to name the ELEVEN players from Spain and Portugal who have played for Newcastle.

The answers were; Mikel Merino, Ayoze Perez, Javier Manquillo, Joselu, Jesus Gamez, Jose Enrique, Albert Luque, Xisco and Marcelino (all Spain) and Hugo Viana and Helder (both Portugal).

This week’s puzzler is…

On a similar theme, name the ELEVEN Dutchmen to have played for Newcastle. Good luck!