League One is a league where identity is everything, from the roar of the crowd to the badge on the shirt. Visual branding plays a crucial role in how clubs present their commercial side to the world, whether it be a matchday poster or a line-up graphic. The way a team communicates visually can elevate its presence beyond the pitch.
With the 2025/26 season underway, we have taken a deep dive into every League One club’s graphic output and judged them on Consistency, Creativity, Functionality, Typography and Club Identity Integration.
We will go from 24th to 1st to find which League One club’s Graphic Suite is the best.
To maintain fairness and structure, each club’s graphic suite is evaluated across five core categories: Consistency, Creativity, Functionality, Typography, and Club Identity Integration. Each category is scored out of 10, for a total possible score of 50.
The higher the score, the higher the rank. This isn’t just about flashiness; it’s about how well the design tells the club’s story and supports the modern football experience.
League One Graphic Suite Rankings
24th – Bolton Wanderers
Total Score: 20/50
- Consistency: 5/10
- Creativity: 4/10
- Functionality: 4/10
- Typography: 3/10
- Club Identity Integration: 4/10
Yes, someone has to go last in this League One list, and it’s Bolton. The graphics sit uneasily between polish and haste; some elements feel refined, while others appear rushed or misaligned. The overall design plays it safe, relying on conventional layouts with minimal visual storytelling.
Key match information is included but poorly prioritised, with occasional text clashes against the background and tight spacing that hampers readability.
The font choices are generic and lack typographic hierarchy; headers fail to stand out, and body text feels either cramped or too light. While the crest and club colours are present, the graphic misses an opportunity to tap into Bolton’s heritage or fan culture, resulting in a design that feels detached and unambitious.
23rd – Northampton
Total Score: 25/50
- Consistency: 5/10
- Creativity: 5/10
- Functionality: 5/10
- Typography: 5/10
- Club Identity Integration: 5/10
Northampton’s graphic is functional but fragmented, with a layout that feels loosely arranged rather than part of a cohesive system. The bold use of pink adds visual punch, yet the overall composition remains flat, lacking layering or narrative depth.
Match information is readable, but weak hierarchy and mismatched colours prevent key details from standing out, especially the black text, which fails to pop against the bright pink backdrop.
The fonts are both cramped and uninspired, offering little contrast or typographic character. While the crest and sponsor are included, the design fails to channel Northampton’s spirit, resulting in a graphic that feels more obligatory than emotionally engaging.
22nd – Rotherham United
Total Score: 26/50
- Consistency: 5/10
- Creativity: 5/10
- Functionality: 5/10
- Typography: 6/10
- Club Identity Integration: 5/10
Rotherham’s graphics hint at a distinctive style, with the brick wall texture adding a welcome sense of grit, and the “match day” script offering a touch of personality. However, the overall composition feels flat, and the design never fully commits to a cohesive identity.
Match information is present but poorly prioritised, and inconsistent sizing and spacing across supporting text undermine clarity.
While the badge anchors the graphic, the club’s broader identity is underused, relying on familiar fragments rather than building something memorable. There’s potential here, but it’s left largely unrealised.
21st – Barnsley
Total Score: 27/50
- Consistency: 5/10
- Creativity: 6/10
- Functionality: 5/10
- Typography: 5/10
- Club Identity Integration: 6/10
Barnsley’s graphics aim for boldness with oversized type and layered visuals, but the execution feels ad hoc and unrefined.
Inconsistent overlays and variable type treatments create visual noise, while heavy fonts dominate without balance, leading to cramped text and a lack of clear hierarchy.
Key match information is included, yet poorly prioritised, making it difficult for the eye to settle. Though the crest and signature red tones are present, the design struggles to evoke any meaningful connection to Barnsley’s heritage or fan culture, leaving the graphic feeling more functional than emotionally resonant.
20th – Plymouth Argyle
Total Score: 28/50
- Consistency: 5/10
- Creativity: 6/10
- Functionality: 6/10
- Typography: 5/10
- Club Identity Integration: 6/10
Plymouth’s graphics show clear effort in lighting and layered textures, but the overall composition plays it safe, resulting in a design that fluctuates between clean and cluttered. Matchday information is present, yet lacks impact due to a muddled hierarchy that makes key details less immediate.
The font choices are generally solid, though inconsistent sizing and contrast weaken readability. Despite these shortcomings, the use of green tones and the prominent crest ensure the graphic remains unmistakably Argyle, anchoring the design in club identity even if the execution feels uneven.
19th – Leyton Orient
Total Score: 29/50
- Consistency: 6/10
- Creativity: 4/10
- Functionality: 7/10
- Typography: 6/10
- Club Identity Integration: 6/10
Leyton Orient’s graphic delivers the basics with a serviceable layout, but lacks the polish and intentionality needed to stand out. Visual elements, player cutouts, stadium fades, and generic overlays feel formulaic and at times copy-pasted, rather than thoughtfully adapted to the club’s identity.
Matchday information is readable and well-placed, yet the overall layout feels cramped, functional without elegance. Font choices are bold but uninspired, offering little hierarchy or typographic flair to elevate the design.
While the crest and colours are present, the graphic doesn’t tap into Leyton Orient’s culture or fan spirit, missing an opportunity to express a unique visual voice. It feels more like a programme cover than a dynamic matchday graphic.
18th – Peterborough United
Total Score: 30/50
- Consistency: 6/10
- Creativity: 5/10
- Functionality: 9/10
- Typography: 7/10
- Club Identity Integration: 4/10
Peterborough’s graphic presents a clean, structured layout, but it introduces inconsistency that undermines its overall cohesion. The stadium backdrop is a strong visual anchor, and key matchday information is delivered, with central logo placement and bold typography aiding quick readability.
However, the “MATCH DAY” font choice feels generic, and beyond the logo, there’s little that distinctly signals Peterborough’s identity.
The absence of club colours, heritage references, or fan culture nods leaves the design feeling impersonal and disconnected from the brand. It’s a safe, functional execution, but one that lacks the personality and resonance needed to truly represent the club.
17th – Burton Albion
Total Score: 31/50
- Consistency: 6/10
- Creativity: 5/10
- Functionality: 7/10
- Typography: 6/10
- Club Identity Integration: 7/10
Burton’s graphic sticks to a recognisable structure, offering consistency across matchdays but lacking refinement and polish. The design plays it safe while the player cut out introduces a sense of movement, there’s little in the way of experimentation or visual evolution.
Key match information is clear and accessible, though the hierarchy could benefit from sharper definition to guide the eye more effectively. Fonts are readable and on-brand, yet they lack contrast and typographic flair.
The yellow-and-black palette is unmistakably Burton, and the industrial tone suits the club’s identity well, even if the overall execution feels more functional than inspired.
16th – Reading
Total Score: 32/50
- Consistency: 7/10
- Creativity: 6/10
- Functionality: 7/10
- Typography: 6/10
- Club Identity Integration: 6/10
Reading’s graphic offers a clean, reliably structured layout that leans on consistency rather than boldness. The club’s colours, crest, and sponsor are all present and well-integrated, reinforcing brand identity without pushing for emotional depth.
A floral background adds a subtle touch of flair, but the overall composition remains visually pleasant rather than striking. Matchday details are well-organised and readable, supported by a solid hierarchy, though the design lacks contrast and typographic storytelling. It’s a competent, branded execution, safe and polished, but not especially resonant or daring.
15th – Lincoln City
Total Score: 33/50
- Consistency: 7/10
- Creativity: 6/10
- Functionality: 7/10
- Typography: 6/10
- Club Identity Integration: 6/10
Lincoln’s graphic system is impressively tight, built around a structured layout and recurring red tones that reinforce club identity with clarity and confidence. The bold use of a binary code backdrop adds a layer of intrigue and modernity, offering a fresh twist without compromising tradition.
Matchday details, time, venue, and opposition are crystal clear, with “MATCHDAY” commanding attention and supporting text remaining clean and legible. The club’s colours, crest, and kit are prominently featured, and the visual hierarchy is intuitive, ensuring nothing feels cluttered.
While there’s room for typographic flair, the current choices are effective and assured. The binary motif doesn’t dilute Lincoln’s identity; it enhances it, suggesting a club that’s forward-thinking yet rooted in its heritage.
14th – AFC Wimbledon
Total Score: 34/50
- Consistency: 7/10
- Creativity: 6/10
- Functionality: 8/10
- Typography: 7/10
- Club Identity Integration: 6/10
AFC Wimbledon’s graphic maintains continuity with the club’s previous visual output, offering a solid, dependable layout anchored by effective player imagery. All key matchday information is presented and easy to digest, making it functional and fan-friendly.
The typography is bold and readable, though it doesn’t bring much distinctiveness to the table. While the club’s colours and logos are present, the design stops short of tapping into Wimbledon’s rich heritage or vibrant fan culture. It’s a competent execution, but one that could benefit from a touch more flair or emotional resonance.
13th – Stevenage
Total Score: 35/50
- Consistency: 7/10
- Creativity: 6/10
- Functionality: 9/10
- Typography: 7/10
- Club Identity Integration: 6/10
Stevenage’s graphic is bold, clean, and no-frills, perfectly aligned with the club’s recent visual tone, but lacking in flair or deeper storytelling. It’s highly functional, with all essential matchday details, fixture, date, time, venue front and centre, making it social-media ready and easy to digest.
The typography is bold and readable, yet it misses an opportunity to evoke Stevenage’s personality or heritage. Beyond the badge, there’s little that distinctly signals “Stevenage,” and the absence of a creative hook like a thematic clash or colour-driven concept leaves the design feeling flat.
A custom typeface or subtle stylisation could elevate the graphic, adding character without compromising clarity.
12th – Mansfield Town
Total Score: 36/50
- Consistency: 7/10
- Creativity: 6/10
- Functionality: 8/10
- Typography: 7/10
- Club Identity Integration: 8/10
Mansfield’s graphics deliver a clean, confident presentation rooted in familiar structure, with subtle shifts in player treatment and background adding just enough variation to avoid feeling static.
The design emphasises clarity, with a well-defined hierarchy and strong readability that ensures all essential matchday information is easily accessible. Typography is bold and effective, offering good contrast and reflecting the club’s tone without pushing stylistic boundaries.
While not especially daring, the graphic stays true to Mansfield’s identity, with the crest, kit, and colour palette thoughtfully integrated to reinforce a cohesive and club-aligned visual experience.
11th – Cardiff City
Total Score: 37/50
- Consistency: 8/10
- Creativity: 7/10
- Functionality: 9/10
- Typography: 5/10
- Club Identity Integration: 8/10
Cardiff’s graphics lean into a bold, vertical layout that sets them apart with a distinctive twist, especially the vertically stacked “MATCH DAY” text, which adds a touch of uniqueness. The design is clear and practical, with all key match information, teams, time, and venue presented and easy to read.
While the overall style is confident and well-structured, it doesn’t venture into expressive or highly stylised territory.
There is a strong use of club colours, impactful player imagery, and well-placed logos reinforce Cardiff’s identity, resulting in a graphic that’s instantly recognisable, if slightly restrained in flair.
10th – Wycombe Wanderers
Total Score: 38/50
- Consistency: 9/10
- Creativity: 5/10
- Functionality: 10/10
- Typography: 6/10
- Club Identity Integration: 8/10
Wycombe’s graphics maintain a strong sense of brand identity through consistent use of club colours and a structured layout that feels reliably theirs.
The action photo adds movement, but the overall design stays within safe territory, avoiding bold or inventive flourishes. Matchday essentials kick-off time, venue, fixture, league branding, and crests, are all clearly presented and easy to scan, making the graphic practical and fan-friendly.
The “MATCHDAY” header is functional but generic, lacking typographic hierarchy or distinctiveness. While the badge and colour palette are well-executed, the kit choice doesn’t immediately signal Wycombe, slightly weakening instant visual recognition.
9th – Doncaster Rovers
Total Score: 39/50
- Consistency: 8/10
- Creativity: 6/10
- Functionality: 8/10
- Typography: 8/10
- Club Identity Integration: 9/10
Doncaster’s graphics offer strong week-to-week cohesion, anchored by recurring visual motifs and a consistent layout structure that feels reliably true to the club. The design is clean and confident, prioritising clarity and practicality, with all matchday essentials, teams, time, and venue easy to find and well-balanced.
The font choices are bold, readable, and well-structured, reflecting the club’s tone with disciplined execution. While the overall approach plays it safe, leaving room for more inventive spatial or dynamic elements, the red-and-white hoops, prominent crest, and grounded visual tone shine through.
It’s a design that feels deeply rooted in Doncaster’s DNA, familiar, fan-focused, and unmistakably theirs.
8th – Luton Town
Total Score: 40/50
- Consistency: 8/10
- Creativity: 7/10
- Functionality: 8/10
- Typography: 9/10
- Club Identity Integration: 8/10
Marking 140 years of history, Luton Town’s graphics strike a polished, confident tone that reflects a club embracing its Premier League status with visual maturity.
There’s strong cohesion in layout style and club colours, creating a premium feel without relying on bold design risks.
The “Celebrating 140 Years” banner adds emotional weight, grounding the graphic in tradition while keeping it clean and fan-friendly. Match details are presented and easy to digest, with player imagery seamlessly integrated to enhance energy without overwhelming the composition.
The typography is bold, readable, and well-balanced, reinforcing clarity and professionalism. With the logo, colour palette, and anniversary nod all working in harmony, the design feels unmistakably Luton-rooted, refined, and ready for the big stage.
7th – Blackpool
Total Score: 41/50
- Consistency: 8/10
- Creativity: 7/10
- Functionality: 8/10
- Typography: 9/10
- Club Identity Integration: 9/10
Blackpool’s graphics deliver a bold, cohesive identity anchored in their signature orange palette. The player-focused composition injects energy, while subtle text and imagery are executed with finesse.
Key match details feature such as the date, time and venue. The teams are front and centre, making the layout instantly readable and fan-friendly. Fonts are bold, modern, and well-sized, with “Match Day” standing out confidently without overpowering the design.
The inclusion of the orange kit, Bloomfield Road reference, and well-placed logo all reinforce Blackpool’s brand, resulting in a vibrant, unmistakably club-rooted presentation.
6th – Bradford City
Total Score: 42/50
- Consistency: 9/10
- Creativity: 7/10
- Functionality: 9/10
- Typography: 8/10
- Club Identity Integration: 9/10
Bradford City’s graphics lean into club identity with consistent use of claret and amber, a dynamic central player pose, and prominent references to the kit and University of Bradford Stadium.
The layout is clean and strong, if slightly safe, with essential matchday info, teams, time, and venue clearly positioned at the top. Sponsor logos are present but unobtrusive, though a subtle text shadow or colour strip could enhance legibility.
The large serif “MATCH DAY” typeface delivers impact, while smaller text remains readable and professional; a touch more typographic harmony would elevate the overall polish.
A minor mismatch in the main text’s drop shadow and a slightly muted background are the only visual hiccups in an otherwise recognisably Bradford City presentation.
5th – Port Vale
Total Score: 44/50
- Consistency: 9/10
- Creativity: 10/10
- Functionality: 8/10
- Typography: 10/10
- Club Identity Integration: 7/10
Port Vale’s graphics mark their 150th anniversary with a respectful, well-structured visual identity that prioritises clarity and consistency. The diagonal stripe motif and bold framing lend a retro touch, anchoring the design in heritage without veering into nostalgia.
There’s a clear visual rhythm across post layouts, type treatments, and matchday framing that feels familiar and cohesive, building recognition without becoming rigid. Match information is cleanly presented, with a practical hierarchy that makes key details easy to digest. Fonts are readable and well-scaled, steering clear of common missteps like poor spacing or over-decoration, though there’s room for more typographic personality.
The PVFC initials, crest, and a loosely traditional colour palette reinforce the brand, offering a respectful nod to club identity.
While the graphics feel more branded than emotionally resonant, they serve as a solid, fan-friendly tribute to a milestone year.
4th – Huddersfield
Total Score: 45/50
- Consistency: 9/10
- Creativity: 9/10
- Functionality: 9/10
- Typography: 9/10
- Club Identity Integration: 9/10
Huddersfield’s graphics showcase a tight, repeatable system that feels like a well-managed brand asset, marked by strong visual discipline and unmistakable club identity.
The composition reveals creative flair, stadium blur, lighting effects, and confident player poses, adding depth and drama without overwhelming the viewer. Match information is crystal clear, with an intuitive hierarchy that guides the eye effortlessly. Fonts are clean, well-paired, and thoughtfully spaced, reinforcing the tone and identity of each graphic.
With the kit, stadium, and colour palette proudly woven into the design, the visuals feel emotionally connected, visually loyal, and culturally aware, an authentic reflection of Huddersfield Town.
3rd – Wigan
Total Score: 45/50
- Consistency: 9/10
- Creativity: 9/10
- Functionality: 9/10
- Typography: 8/10
- Club Identity Integration: 10/10
Wigan’s graphics are a masterclass in disciplined design with emotional impact.
The layout, colour palette, and visual structure are tightly managed, creating a consistent and repeatable identity. Club blue dominates, supported by stadium imagery and player focus that anchor each graphic in Wigan’s visual DNA.
The layered composition featuring a player in the foreground, a stadium backdrop, and subtle lighting effects adds depth and drama, achieving boldness without tipping into chaos.
Match details like date, time, venue, and opposition are crystal clear, well-placed, and easy to scan, making the graphics fan-friendly and primed for social media. Fonts are clean, well-scaled, and offer strong contrast; while there’s room for more typographic flair, the current approach feels confident and effective.
Most importantly, the crest, stadium, and colour palette aren’t just present, they’re deeply embedded. These graphics don’t just represent Wigan; they feel like Wigan, resonating emotionally, visually, and culturally.
2nd – Stockport County
Total Score: 48/50
- Consistency: 10/10
- Creativity: 9/10
- Functionality: 10/10
- Typography: 9/10
- Club Identity Integration: 10/10
Stockport’s matchday graphics strike a refined balance between structure and sophistication. The graphic’s layouts, colour tones, and framing are reliably consistent across formats, creating a cohesive visual identity.
The use of layered textures, subtle gradients, and dynamic framing lends the graphics a premium, polished feel. Information hierarchy is flawless—each graphic reads instantly, even at thumbnail scale, making it ideal for mobile-first fans. Font pairing is sharp, with bold headers complemented by clean body text; while there’s slight room for typographic play, the overall execution remains elegant and effective.
The navy and white palette, strategic crest placement, and subtle nods to Edgeley Park root the design firmly in Stockport’s heritage, delivering a look that feels timeless without being dated.
1st – Exeter City
Total Score: 50/50
- Consistency: 10/10
- Creativity: 10/10
- Functionality: 10/10
- Typography: 10/10
- Club Identity Integration: 10/10
Exeter’s matchday graphics are a masterclass in brand cohesion, where every detail from layout to tone feels meticulously intentional.
The design transcends basic fixture information by integrating geographic coordinates, heritage phrases like “The Grecians” and “Est. 1901,” and a layered visual hierarchy that’s both bold and emotionally resonant.
The phrase “Proud to be supporter-owned” isn’t just a tagline—it’s a recurring declaration that reinforces the club’s identity across fixtures. Every essential element is present and perfectly placed: opponent, venue, time, and league branding are all instantly readable and optimised for social media sharing.
The typography is exceptional, with the “MATCHDAY” header commanding attention while supporting text remains clean and well-balanced. Fonts are assertive yet refined, echoing the club’s tone.
This is where Exeter truly excels—the crest, colour palette, and messaging work in harmony to project a proud, community-driven identity that feels authentic and deeply rooted.
Thanks for reading my rankings of League One clubs’ graphics for the upcoming season. Stay tuned for League Two and the Championship.
