AS the curtain comes down on the current season at Loftus Road tomorrow (Saturday), we’re already looking to the future with the reveal of our new Club crest.

This crest is the end result of a six-month period of consultation and design with supporters’ opinions shaping the creation and selection of the symbol behind which QPR will move forward.

After announcing that a new Club crest would be unveiled before the 2016/17 season, the Club sought the opinions of fans on the symbol of its identity – the crest – and supporters responded in their thousands. Between July 2015 and January 2016 our supporters shared their opinions with us during two stages of public consultation.

During the first phase, the shapes and symbols of our four previous crests were deconstructed and the meanings behind them explained, so that fans were able to give informed opinions on which elements they would like to see included in the new design.

Four consistent views became clear following supporters’ feedback.

SHAPE & HOOPS

The first and most obvious change to the crest is that of a change in shape. The new circular design was by far the most popular with fans during consultation, with 57% of supporters choosing it as their preference, with just 12% wishing to keep a coat of arms.

The round design takes inspiration from our former crests – the centre of the 1970’s crest that was commonly used on shirts during that era, and then the 1982 crest that was used until 2008.

The two circles used in the design also represent the Hoops for which the club is famously known. This was important to our fans with 57% of them wanting to see the Hoops represented in this new design.

INITIALS

The initials QPR appeared on our club crests between 1975 and 2008 – and 64% of fans wanted to see this return in the new design after it was excluded in the last crest.

YEAR

Of all of the possible elements for inclusion in the new crest – 1882 – was by far the most popular. The year, which signifies the very earliest roots of our Club’s beginnings, is included once again, after 74% of those surveyed expressed their desire to see this feature on the crest.

SIMPLICITY

Many elements of the Club’s previous crests were discussed in the consultation period, including: the banderole, the horseshoe, the crosses, the crown, the football, and reference to Loftus Road. However, the overwhelming response from fans was a desire to keep it simple. In fact, more than half of those surveyed opted to have none of these appear on the new crest.

At the conclusion of this period of consultation, the Club took the feedback on board and focusing on these four key elements, worked with graphic designers – and lifelong QPR fans – Daniel Norris and Daniel Bowyer to create four options.

A second period of fan consultation followed, with supporters asked to choose their preferred design. In addition to an online survey open to all fans to register their vote, thousands of supporters who attended our home fixtures against Brighton & Hove Albion and Huddersfield Town were also handed leaflets to have their say.

During these two periods of fan consultation, over 17,000 responses were received from more than 10,000 individual supporters, all of whom have contributed to the process of designing our new crest.

At the end of the process, 68% of the fans who voted on the final designs were in agreement.

The design most popular with fans has since undergone a necessary refining process to ensure it works in use across all Club assets, including retail, marketing and digital.

Today, we are pleased to reveal to you the final crest – a crest that you have helped to design – taking influences from our previous popular crests of ‘75 and ‘82 and showcasing them in a simple retro, yet modern, design.

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QPR Co-Chairman, Tony Fernandes, told www.qpr.co.uk: “The introduction of a new Club crest has always been a dream of mine since I arrived here nearly five years ago and I’m absolutely delighted with the final result.

“I have enjoyed many conversations on the crest with QPR supporters across all age groups and it soon became clear that a new crest would be better received were it in keeping with our heritage – and this design ticks all the boxes.

“It respects and echoes crests that have come before it, but is not an imitation of them.

“I’m sure, like me, our supporters will be absolutely delighted with the new crest – a crest they have helped design and one that points towards the future for this Club.”

Fellow Co-Chairman, Ruben Gnanalingam, added: “Fan consultation was crucial to us in designing this new Club crest.

“The supporters are the lifeblood of QPR, so it was vital that they were involved in the consultation process every step of the way.

“I look forward with great anticipation to the new crest becoming synonymous with the future of QPR.”

QPR captain, Nedum Onuoha, speaking on behalf of the squad, added: “As players, we are proud to represent our badge.

“This new crest captures perfectly the history of the Club, as well as defining a new era for QPR.

“I can’t wait to see the crest on the new shirts for next season.”

Graphic designers, Dan and Dan, added: “As designers and lifelong QPR supporters, the opportunity to contribute to the Club's new crest is something we are immensely proud of.

“We believe that by stripping away the unnecessary elements and rediscovering and redefining the iconic QPR monogram, the new identity is instantly familiar, yet bold and modern.

“This crest signifies a new era for the Club and we are honoured to have been involved.”

The new QPR crest will be rolled out across the various club assets throughout the summer, with regular updates provided throughout on www.qpr.co.uk.

In the meantime, join in the conversation on social media, using the hashtag #QPRcrest.