THE first official crest to feature on an Everton shirt dates back to 1920.

That design comprised the white letters ‘EFC’ entwined upon a blue shield. It remained, save for a one-season absence, for 10 years before disappearing from jerseys until 1972.

In that period, although the club jerseys did not boast a crest, the club did use a design, constructed by the then club secretary, Theo Kelly, in 1938. It was first seen on official club neck-ties.

“I was puzzling over it for four months,” Kelly said. “Then I thought of a reproduction of the ‘Beacon’ which stands in the heart of Everton.”

The ‘Everton Tower’ or ‘Prince Rupert’s Tower’ - the ‘Beacon’ to which he refers - has been inextricably linked with the Everton area since its construction in 1787. It still stands today on Everton Brow in Netherfield Road.

The ties were first worn by Kelly and Everton’s chairman, Mr E Green, on the first day of the 1938/39 season. Everton finished that season as Football League champions.

Shirt crests did not return until 1972, when white ‘EFC’ letters were simply embroidered onto the shirt. This lasted for four campaigns before a simplified font was introduced instead.

Then, in 1978, came the return of the Tower. This was the first time Kelly’s design had been used on the kit and it remained for four years. In 1982 a simplified, circular design was produced, with the shield and the Latin motto removed.

Twelve months later the Crest changed again and the motif which marked Everton’s most successful period was born. It comprised the letters ‘EFC’ above a slightly reshaped Tower and laurel wreathes.

In 1991 a version resembling the 1978 edition was introduced and was worn on the shirt when Everton lifted the FA Cup in 1995 – the club’s last major trophy.

In 2000, this design was modified to add ‘1878’, the year the club was founded, and the word ‘Everton’.

EVERTON say that the “Nil Satis Nisi Optimum” motto will remain “highly visible” around the club, despite the fact that it will not feature on the new crest.

The Latin phrase, which translates as “nothing but the best is good enough”, first appeared on the club crest in 1938, was first appeared on a shirt in 1978, and has been on and off the shirt in the years since then. Everton insist that although the motto will not feature on the new shirt crest, it remains a significant part of the club's ethos.

Plans to launch a new range of NSNO-branded Nike leisurewear this summer have been confirmed.

Commercial Director, Dave Biggar, explained: “Whilst it no longer appears on the crest, it remains tangibly and spiritually at the heart of our club.

“It will still be highly visible inside the stadium and will still be part of our each and every day processes.”

Everton say the omission from the crest, which has sparked plenty of anger and protest amongst supporters, was discussed by the Fans’ Forum before plans were finalised.

Tony Bolt, chairman of the Forum, said: “Nil Satis not being on the crest is going to provoke debate. There were some members of the Forum who expressed reservations.

“The club have assured us that it will still underpin everything we do. We all have it in our hearts and minds; in our DNA.”