• Premier League

Martinez backs Everton badge redesign

Roberto Martinez insists Everton's new badge must have a more traditional look and has welcomed the return of club motto 'Nil Satis Nisi Optimum' into the design.

The motto, which is Latin for 'nothing but the best is good enough', was dropped as part of a controversial redesign unveiled in May.

More than 20,000 fans signed an online petition protesting against the new look, which also omitted the two laurel wreaths - intended to signify the Olympian ideal of success - which had been a part of the original 1938 crest drawn up by club secretary Theo Kelly.

BREAKING: The three options YOU can vote to be the next @Everton crest from noon tomorrow #EFCCREST pic.twitter.com/u3gToMufff

— Official Everton (@Everton) September 22, 2013

After an extensive consultation, Everton have unveiled three designs for next season's badge, inviting fans to vote via their official website. The winner will be confirmed on October 3.

Of the three designs, Martinez has chosen the one that most closely resembles their traditional badge, with the two wreaths included and the club motto at the bottom.

"It's really important that the badge reflects the passion and the history of the club," Martinez said. "We've been listening to all the fans.

"The Nail Satis logo is important. It's very, very important. We're well aware that the fans weren't happy with the change of the badge at the beginning of the season. I'm very pleased that, as a football club, we wanted to listen to our fans and see what they had to say.

"There's been a lot of hard work behind the scenes, believe me. But now, we're in a position where the fans' voice has been heard, and we'll make the right choice and we'll all have a crest that we're proud of.

"I like the uniqueness of our motto. Having 'Nil Satis' on the badge is important."

Download ESPN's new UK sport app, a fresh and powerful new way to follow your favourite UK sports news, scores and video.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd