Everton have begun using their new crest, which was chosen by supporters after a huge backlash over the badge the club used last season.

The crest will start to appear around Goodison Park this week after it was chosen from three options presented to fans in October 2013. The new design received an overwhelming 78% of the online fan votes. Around 20,000 Evertonians were involved in the selection process.

Last season’s unpopular badge was ditched after more than 22,500 fans signed an online petition protesting against it. The club issued a grovelling apology and accepted they were guilty of not consulting their supporters, but said they were stuck with the crest for a year because it was too late to reverse the process with the kit manufacturers.

A club statement said: “The new crest strongly reflects the club’s heritage and status as an authentic, respected football club. It brings together the key icons of the club’s tradition – the tower, nil satis nisi optimum [motto] and shield, rendered in the strongly preferred club colours of royal blue and white.”