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Aston Villa have made alterations to the club’s badge and will soon complete an expensive re-brand.

The word PREPARED has been ditched from the crest while the rampant lion will have claws once again following the previous change back in 2007.

Chief commercial officer, Charlie Wijeratna, has ploughed forward with the plans despite the obvious need to reduce costs as Villa crash into the Championship.

And it’s thought that the new-look design has been submitted to feature on next season’s kit, manufactured by high-profile American supplier Under Armour.

The Birmingham Mail was told the re-branding could cost up to £2 million, but Villa dispute that figure, claiming it is significantly less.

It’s understood the project was given the go-ahead by former CEO Tom Fox and that the changes had already been signed off by the time chairman Steve Hollis and new directors David Bernstein and Mervyn King had joined.

The old badge will soon need to be replaced on the mosaic at the back of the Holte End and at other locations around Villa Park and Bodymoor Heath to coincide with the new look.

Design specialists SomeOne have been hired to help lead the re-brand and their services don’t come cheap.

Wijeratna worked with the London-based company at former club Tottenham when he carried out an overhaul of the club’s brand and visual identity back in 2011.

And the ex-Spurs man also linked up with the firm again last year when he designed the commercial programme for the Baku 2015 European Games.

Responsibility for all areas of revenue generation, Wijeratna was hired by Fox, and has made stark changes since arriving a year ago.

He also oversees the club’s marketing and media operations and had planned to build a new club shop to replace the current one at Villa Park but that move has been rejected by the new men in charge.

A transformation of the club’s website is also thought to be another area of focus.

As for Villa’s badge changes, it will be the first time the club has made alterations since 2007 when a white star was added to signify the 1982 European Cup triumph.

The Lion Rampant of Scotland has always been a big part of the crest, reflecting the influence of William McGregor and George Ramsay in the foundation of the club. McGregor, who hailed from Perthshire, served the club for 20 years as president, director and chairman, and played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Football League.

Ramsay, from Glasgow, was secretary and manager of the club between 1884 and 1926, overseeing the most successful period of its history, winning six league titles and six FA Cups.

The word PREPARED was added to the second-ever badge and has featured on the previous two.

Villa’s website states:

“Aston Villa have always been Prepared – and the club’s motto is more appropriate than ever as the 21st century unfolds.

“At the dawn of a brave new era for the club, we are prepared and willing to meet every challenge, both on and off the pitch.”

Can you spot yourself in the Villa Park crowd against Chelsea?

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