Thanks for those comments. I totally agree that as many fans as possible should get to the lectures. So far there have been a large number of people coming with one view and when they leave after hearing about all the elements and badges they change their minds. It's amazing how many views have changed really which then leaves me to hope that most fans haven't had a knee jerk reaction and gone for elements based on memories of moments rather than the long term view of what matters to them.
I've been surprised, for example, at the number of people who arrive believing the red rose badge was on shirts when they were kids. Sometimes it was the original - long time - badge with the stripes, but often they're thinking about the period 1976 to 1981 when the red rose badge was not worn on shirts.
Similarly, I've heard people talking about the 'original' badge when they've meant the second (red rose) badge and vice versa.
I think everyone who has come to the talks has gained something - including me (I was given some new info on something the other day which has also changed my view a little). I would urge all fans to consider every badge, every element and if in doubt ask. I'll be more than happy to post info on here if it helps decision making. I do keep posting odd snippets on my own Facebook but, more than anything else, please engage with the process. If you want something entirely new then get those views stressed as well. We need to think about our future and where we want to be positioned and who our rivals will be. It may be that not one element from our past is appropriate, or it could be that one single element sums it all up. I'm an historian who believes that we need to understand our past to progress, develop and move forward, not one who thinks simply resurrecting something from our past is the answer.
I've really enjoyed hearing the views of everyone I've met to discuss the badge, and enjoyed reading the comments on here, but I do worry that minds could be made up based on misconceptions etc. so I would urge everyone to come to the talks, watch the videos and ask those questions.
In the meantime... A trivia question (not for those who've attended a lecture): what was the first City specific badge worn on the pitch at Wembley (not the coat of arms, a City specific badge)? I'll post the answer tomorrow. Bonus point for the name of the 1st person on the pitch wearing it.
