Club badges can define a club and its identity. They are the thing a fan sees when a person searches a club online. Club badges are arguably also the thing that someone thinks about when they think of a club.
With this in mind, we have decided to rank the five best club badges in EFL League One from five to one. Let’s get started.
5: Lincoln City
In fifth place, we have placed Lincoln City’s club badge which can be seen below. The badge was favourably voted by an overwhelmingly margin with 77.17% of fans voting in favour of reverting to this design back in December of 2023.
The badge features an Imp that is recognisable to newer fans from its current design and with older fans who saw the badge when it was incorporated into the kits of the 1980s and 1990s.
Its uniqueness and simplicity alongside its eye-catching design has earned it a place on this list.
4: Bradford City
In fourth place, we’ve decided to go with Bradford City’s club crest. The current version of the badge was introduced into the club in 1991 when it replaced the iconic boar design. Since then, it has seen a Premier League spell, several Wembley trips and the highs and lows of the club.
The badge features the letters ‘BCAFC’ in its centre with a bantam perched on top of the crest. At the bottom, there is text reading ‘The Bantams’ to act as a reminder of the club’s nickname.
The badge has come under scrutiny with the bantam said to look weak. Furthermore, the current edition of the badge was nearly changed in 2022 when the club decided to review its identity and club crest. However, this was rejected.
Once again, there isn’t a badge in English football that looks like Bradford City’s. This, alongside its uniqueness, earns it a place on this list.
3: Bolton Wanderers
In third place, we have gone with Bolton Wanderers’ badge. Bolton’s current badge was introduced in 2013 and features a Lancashire rose as a hint of Bolton’s Lancashire roots. Furthermore, the badge also features the club’s founding year – 1877 – just below the Lancashire rose.
The initials of the club are also formed in the circle that we can see in the middle which forms a unique yet appealing design. Its nature, abstract or not, creates something that attracts the eye and creates something that stands out amongst the rest.
These factors earn it a place on a third place placement on this list.
2: Port Vale
Just missing on in second, we have decided to go with Port Vale’s badge with the version we are referring to viewable below. Introduced in 2013, the badge takes inspiration from the club’s 1956 design and features elements that reflect Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding area. This includes the scythe which comes from the Tunstall arms.
Furthermore, the fretted cross is from Audley and the two pots are symbolic of Josiah Wedgwood’s pottery towns of Burslem and Etruria.
As well as this, its unique design which features a shield and the club name at the bottom of the crest. This unique design and levels of detail earns it second place on our list.
We are also aware of Port Vale’s other design – for their 150th anniversary. This is a design that is simple yet does the job correctly.
1: Leyton Orient
Finally, and coming out on top, we have decided to go with Leyton Orient’s club badge. Orient’s club badge dates back to 1976 and arguably represents London as a whole. Two wyverns are the main feature of the crest which highlight the ‘eastern mystery’ of the Orient. Furthermore, it also highlights the club’s history with the area through the Orient Shipping Line.
The Orient crest is also complemented by the club name and its year of formation on a football. These aim to highlight its history.
The club badge’s unique elements, well-thought through design and appealing design earn it the top spot on this list.
What Are Your Favourite Club Badges?
We’ve highlighted our top five club badges. But, do you agree with them? If not, comment your ranking below.
