In the ever-evolving world of football branding, Championship clubs face a unique challenge in balancing tradition with innovation, particularly in their graphic design output. From matchday posters to lineup reveals and social media templates, the visual language of a club speaks volumes about its identity and ambition.
This ranking dives deep into the design DNA of each club, evaluating their graphics across five key criteria: Consistency, which reflects visual cohesion across platforms; Creativity, the spark that sets designs apart; Functionality, ensuring clarity and purpose; Typography, the backbone of legibility and style; and Club Identity Integration, the emotional thread that ties it all back to the badge, the fans, and the legacy.
While some clubs lean into bold experimentation, others opt for a more restrained, heritage-driven approach—but style alone doesn’t guarantee success.
A truly standout graphic system must not only catch the eye but serve its purpose with precision, whether that’s energising fans before kickoff or delivering team news with clarity.
Typography choices can elevate or undermine a design’s tone, while poor functionality, like cluttered layouts or unreadable text, can derail even the most creative concepts. And without a strong club identity, graphics risk feeling generic or disconnected.
This ranking doesn’t just celebrate aesthetic flair; it rewards designs that are intentional, emotionally resonant, and unmistakably theirs. Let’s go from 24th in the table to who will be the champion.
Alongside my thoughts and rankings, we will also have thoughts and rankings from a Graphic Designer and Championship and QPR fan called Frankie.
24th – Bristol City
Total Score: 25/50
Breakdown:
- Consistency: 4/10
- Creativity: 5/10
- Functionality: 5/10
- Typography: 5/10
- Club Identity Integration: 6/10
Someone had to go last, and it’s Bristol City’s graphic suite struggles to establish a cohesive identity, with noticeable inconsistencies across its lineup, matchday, and stat visuals.
The lack of a unified visual language, evident in shifting colour palettes, uneven layout logic, and sporadic branding elements, creates a fragmented experience that undermines the club’s digital presence.
While there are glimpses of creative ambition, such as angled overlays and textured backgrounds, these touches feel more like isolated experiments than part of a confident, overarching design system.
The reliance on generic templates and safe compositions leaves the suite visually timid, missing the boldness needed to stand out in a crowded football media landscape.
Functionally, the graphics are serviceable but rarely intuitive. The lineup card, in particular, suffers from poor spacing and weak hierarchy, making it difficult to scan an issue that’s compounded in stat visuals that lean too heavily on decorative elements at the expense of clarity. Typography choices are largely forgettable, with minimal contrast and occasional legibility issues due to inconsistent weight and spacing.
Most critically, the integration of club identity feels superficial. While the red and crest are present, they don’t carry emotional weight or narrative depth. The suite feels like a generic red-club template rather than something crafted to reflect the Robins’ spirit, history, or fan culture.
Frankie’s Ranking: 4th
His Thoughts: I know for a fact that non-designers will be surprised by this one; it breaks the mould in all the right ways. What I love most is that it’s genuinely unique without sacrificing quality, a rare balance that instantly grabs attention.
The layout is completely different from anything else in the league, and that bold divergence earns serious respect. The photography is top-tier (yes, I sound like a broken record, but it really is crucial), adding depth and polish to the overall presentation. Interestingly, the away version edges ahead—it just lands better visually and feels more refined. Big fan.
23rd – Derby County
Total Score: 28/50
Breakdown:
- Consistency: 6/10
- Creativity: 5/10
- Functionality: 6/10
- Typography: 5/10
- Club Identity Integration: 6/10
Derby County’s graphic suite shows signs of structural intent, but consistency falters across execution. While a baseline layout exists, the discipline in spacing and alignment is uneven—some assets feel cluttered and over-layered, while others feel too sparse, creating a visual rhythm that lacks cohesion. Functionality follows a similar pattern: key information is present, yet hierarchy varies wildly.
The Starting XI graphic is clear and digestible, but others, like the Matchday promo, bury essentials beneath decorative noise. Typography is serviceable but lacks flair; weight and spacing issues, particularly in player name treatments, detract from clarity and personality.
Frankie’s Ranking: 14th
His Thoughts: This Derby graphic has solid potential, with a striking concept that catches the eye, but a few execution issues hold it back. The player render feels disconnected from the background, lacking any blending or integration that would unify the composition; if that were addressed, the overall impact would rise significantly.
The condensed font choice doesn’t quite land either, feeling slightly rigid and out of sync with the rest of the layout. The backdrop itself has a cool aesthetic, but it’s so heavily blurred that its details—and any narrative or context it might offer—are lost in the haze. It’s close to something special, but needs refinement to fully deliver.
22nd – Coventry City
Total Score: 29/50
Breakdown:
- Consistency: 6/10
- Creativity: 5/10
- Functionality: 6/10
- Typography: 5/10
- Club Identity Integration: 7/10
Coventry City’s graphic suite presents a visually consistent identity anchored in its iconic sky blue palette, complemented by white accents and dynamic player imagery. While this colour discipline reinforces brand recognition, the layout execution is uneven. Some graphics are tightly composed and visually satisfying, while others feel scattered and less refined, which disrupts overall cohesion.
The suite opts for clean, fan-friendly designs but rarely ventures beyond templated formats, missing opportunities to inject creativity through layout innovation or motion cues that could deepen the storytelling.
Functionally, the suite excels: each graphic serves its purpose with clarity, whether it’s lineups, goals, substitutions, or score updates. The visual hierarchy is intuitive, and the use of player cutouts adds a burst of energy. Typography is bold and readable, but the font choices lack distinctiveness and occasionally suffer from spacing and alignment issues that affect rhythm.
Where Coventry truly shines is in club identity integration—the suite feels unmistakably Sky Blue. Logos, colours, and sponsor placements are thoughtfully handled, and the emotional tone resonates with the club’s spirit, grounding the visuals in a strong sense of place and pride.
Frankie’s Ranking: 9th
His Thoughts: I really love the layout, it’s clean, structured, and visually engaging, which initially had me scoring it higher. But the use of a white XI feels out of place and undermines the clarity, especially when the navy typography is already so effective across multiple background tones. The backdrop itself could benefit from more visual interest or texture; currently, it feels undercooked, especially given how well the navy type performs regardless of the colour behind it.
There’s a solid foundation here, but a few tweaks could really elevate the impact. Really love the layout—it’s clean, structured, and visually engaging, which initially had me scoring it higher. But the use of a white XI feels out of place and undermines the clarity, especially when the navy typography is already so effective across multiple background tones. The backdrop itself could benefit from more visual interest or texture; right now, it feels a bit undercooked, especially given how well the navy type performs regardless of the colour behind it. There’s a solid foundation here, but a few tweaks could really elevate the impact.
21st – Oxford United
Total Score: 30/50
Breakdown:
- Consistency: 6/10
- Creativity: 5/10
- Functionality: 6/10
- Typography: 5/10
- Club Identity Integration: 8/10
Oxford United’s graphic suite presents a visually coherent rhythm, anchored by consistent use of the club’s yellow and black palette and reliable crest placement. Layout framing across assets generally holds steady, though subtle inconsistencies in spacing and hierarchy, particularly between posts like “MATCHDAY” and “ADDED TIME”, create mild visual drift. Typography is bold and legible, but lacks variation, and in some cases, colour choices compromise readability. The hierarchy within certain graphics could benefit from refinement to guide the viewer’s eye more intuitively.
Creatively, the standout is the dog-led “MATCHDAY” post, which injects charm and personality into the suite. However, the rest of the assets lean heavily on conventional templates, missing opportunities for more playful or emotionally resonant storytelling. Functionally, match updates are timely and clear, with substitution and added time graphics performing well, but the main matchday graphic suffers from poor legibility. Across the board, the suite would benefit from more dynamic visual cues to heighten urgency and engagement, and a deeper integration of club identity beyond colour and crest could elevate the emotional connection for fans.
Frankie’s Ranking: 3rd
His Thoughts: Oxford’s graphic suite is a standout, arguably stronger than Boro’s and a clear step up from Watford’s output last season. The art direction is genuinely brilliant, with sharp layout choices and a confident visual identity that feels both modern and rooted. The decision to place substitutions on a single line is bold and slightly risky, but it holds up well in execution. What really elevates the suite is the subtle detailing: the small text tucked into top corners and bottom edges channels that unmistakable SM Sports aesthetic, adding polish and professionalism without clutter. It’s an unbelievable effort that shows Oxford aren’t just keeping pace, they’re setting the bar.
20th – Ipswich Town
Total Score: 31/50
Breakdown:
- Consistency: 6/10
- Creativity: 7/10
- Functionality: 5/10
- Typography: 6/10
- Club Identity Integration: 7/10
Ipswich’s graphic suite shows flashes of promise but struggles with consistency and cohesion. While recurring elements like the HALO sponsor and a unified colour palette offer some visual continuity, the layout logic shifts too dramatically across pieces, undermining the overall flow. Some graphics appear overworked, packed with effects and flourishes, while others feel sparse or underdeveloped, creating a disjointed experience. There’s clear ambition in the compositions, yet the creative execution varies some designs lean heavily on familiar tropes without challenging conventions or elevating the visual storytelling.
Functionality and typography further complicate the suite’s impact. Readability suffers in several instances due to cluttered layouts, poor spacing, and excessive visual noise, with matchday information often buried or deprioritised. Font choices are bold and occasionally striking, but lack consistency in style, spacing, and alignment, making it difficult to establish a clear hierarchy. Club identity is present in flashes of Portman Road imagery, blue-and-white fidelity, and nods to fan culture, but it’s not deeply embedded across the board. Some graphics feel generic or overly polished, missing the raw authenticity that defines Ipswich Town’s spirit.
Frankie’s Ranking: 13th
His Thoughts: The use of a wide font immediately stands out—it feels slightly off-kilter given how accustomed most people are to regular or condensed typefaces in football graphics. It creates a visual tension that might not be intentional. The blue numbers, while stylistically consistent, lack punch and could be hard to spot for some viewers, especially in fast-scrolling contexts.
The font choice for the starting XI and substitutes doesn’t quite land either; it feels mismatched with the rest of the suite and doesn’t carry the clarity or personality needed for key matchday info. That said, the backdrop for the media photos is a real highlight, rich, atmospheric, and full of club character. It anchors the visuals beautifully and adds a layer of authenticity that the typography doesn’t quite match.
19th – Portsmouth
Total Score: 32/50
Breakdown:
- Consistency: 7/10
- Creativity: 6/10
- Functionality: 6/10
- Typography: 5/10
- Club Identity Integration: 8/10
Portsmouth’s graphic suite delivers a solid foundation of consistency, with reliable repetition of club colours, logo placement, and layout structure that creates a strong visual rhythm across assets. However, subtle shifts in hierarchy and spacing occasionally disrupt this flow, suggesting room for tighter alignment. Creativity is present in the use of dynamic overlays and player imagery, which inject energy into the visuals, yet the overall layout leans heavily on templated structures. A more adventurous approach to framing and typography could elevate the storytelling and give the suite a more distinctive edge.
Functionally, the suite performs well; the match details, kick-off times, and scores are clearly communicated, and the global time zone graphic stands out as a thoughtful touch for fan accessibility. That said, certain text blocks, such as quotes, feel cramped or under-emphasised, limiting their impact. Typography is legible but lacks flair; the font choices are serviceable without adding much personality or emotional tone, and hierarchy is minimal. Where Portsmouth truly excels is in club identity integration: the crest, colours, and player focus are consistently front and centre, creating a suite that feels unmistakably Pompey, rooted in pride, place, and tradition.
Frankie’s Ranking: 12th
His Thoughts: This is another instance where the typography placement feels slightly off, too far over for comfort, but the overall clarity remains strong, with big, bold type that’s easy to read and visually assertive. One noticeable issue is the use of white-yellow behind Oxford’s badge, which renders it nearly invisible; switching to each team’s secondary badge colour could be a smart fix to preserve visibility and contrast. On a brighter note, the photography is outstanding, crisp, emotive, and well-framed, adding real depth and professionalism to the suite.
18th – Millwall
Total Score: 33/50
Breakdown:
- Consistency: 7/10
- Creativity: 6/10
- Functionality: 7/10
- Typography: 6/10
- Club Identity Integration: 7/10
Millwall’s graphic suite presents a cohesive and visually grounded identity, anchored by a consistent use of navy, cream, and green tones that flow reliably across assets. The serif typeface adds a layer of character, particularly in the quote graphic, which hints at editorial flair. Functionally, the suite delivers clear messaging and logical hierarchy, with the lineup and goal graphics standing out for their clarity and impact. Typography choices reinforce the club’s gritty, heritage-driven persona, and the integration of player imagery, crest placement, and colour palette effectively embeds Millwall’s DNA throughout.
However, the suite doesn’t quite reach its full potential. Minor inconsistencies in image treatment, such as lighting and cropping, alongside uneven typographic hierarchy in the quote and lineup graphics, slightly disrupt the rhythm. Creativity feels restrained; while the foundations are solid, the layouts lean heavily on modular templates, especially in the substitution and score graphics. The next match teaser lacks urgency, and typographic spacing and weight choices occasionally feel cramped or mismatched. While the suite nods to Millwall’s identity, it misses deeper evocations of The Den, fan culture, or historical motifs that could elevate it from solid to stirring.
Frankie’s Ranking: 21st
His Thoughts: This feels like a cleaner, more refined take on the Birmingham suite, definitely a step up, but it still craves more breathing room across the board. The type should be ranged left and pushed as far over as the subs to maintain alignment and balance. The render could use a bit more attention, too, perhaps some added depth or texture to give it more presence. And while the background pattern is a nice touch, it’s currently too subtle to make an impact; dialling up the contrast slightly would help it contribute more meaningfully to the overall aesthetic.
17th – Preston North End
Total Score: 34/50
Breakdown:
- Consistency: 7/10
- Creativity: 6/10
- Functionality: 7/10
- Typography: 6/10
- Club Identity Integration: 8/10
Preston’s graphic suite delivers a steady visual foundation, with consistent use of the club’s colour palette and logo across assets. However, layout execution is less refined text alignment and spacing fluctuating, which undermines the overall polish. Functionally, the suite covers the essentials: lineups, substitutions, scores, and upcoming fixtures are all clearly presented. Yet the hierarchy of information could be sharpened to guide the viewer more intuitively. Typography is serviceable and club-appropriate, but lacks variation; a more dynamic typographic structure would help elevate the suite’s impact and clarity.
Creatively, the suite plays it safe. Familiar elements like player cutouts, matchday blocks, and standard overlays dominate, but there’s little in the way of inventive framing or standout visual hooks. Where the suite truly shines is in its integration of club identity. Imagery from Deepdale, the use of kit colours, and the presence of key players all work in harmony to reinforce Preston’s brand. This emotional and cultural resonance gives the suite its strongest dimension, anchoring it firmly in the club’s heritage even if the design choices lean conventional.
Frankie’s Ranking: 19th
His Thoughts: The away graphic didn’t land for me at all, but the home version is a slight improvement, though it still feels cluttered without actually doing much. There’s a sense of busyness, yet nothing truly grabs you. The “Starting over the XI” layout is the only notable variation, but it leans on a well-worn trope and doesn’t bring anything fresh. Overall, the tone feels overly formal, lacking the energy or personality that could make it stand out.
16th – QPR
Total Score: 35/50
Breakdown:
- Consistency: 7/10
- Creativity: 6/10
- Functionality: 8/10
- Typography: 7/10
- Club Identity Integration: 7/10
QPR’s graphic suite presents a cohesive visual identity, but it lacks the polish and rhythm seen in top-tier executions. While the assets generally align stylistically, some layouts feel templated or hastily assembled, disrupting the overall flow across formats. The design approach leans safe and functional player imagery is handled cleanly, yet the layouts miss opportunities for flair or inventive composition. Functionally, the suite succeeds in clarity: lineups, goals, and substitutions are communicated promptly and legibly. However, certain spacing and hierarchy decisions could be refined to enhance scanability and viewer engagement.
Typography is dominated by bold sans serifs, applied with a rigidity that limits expressive potential. Secondary text often reads as filler rather than a purposeful design element, contributing little to the suite’s personality. Club identity is present through the blue-and-white palette and crest, but the emotional resonance is faint. The suite feels more like a standardised brand toolkit than a fan-first celebration of QPR’s heritage and culture. There’s room to deepen the connection to the club’s spirit through more evocative visuals, typographic nuance, and storytelling that speaks directly to the Loftus Road faithful.
Frankie’s Ranking: 11th
His Thoughts: QPR’s graphic suite dropped three spots, proving there’s no bias at play. It’s a clean, inoffensive design with thoughtful touches like the checkerboard background nodding to the shirt. The shift away from number order is a welcome move, and the font choices are genuinely strong. Still, the blue-on-blue treatment drags it down visually, and while it nails the basics, it doesn’t push beyond them.
15th – Sheffield Wednesday
Total Score: 36/50
Breakdown:
- Consistency: 7/10
- Creativity: 6/10
- Functionality: 8/10
- Typography: 7/10
- Club Identity Integration: 8/10
Sheffield Wednesday’s graphic suite maintains a broadly consistent visual identity, with most assets adhering to a familiar format that fans will recognise. However, there are occasional lapses in execution; some matchday graphics feel more refined than others, while a few pieces rely too heavily on generic templates that dilute the club’s distinctiveness. Functionally, the suite performs its core duties well: lineups are legible, scores are clearly communicated, and goal updates arrive promptly. That said, certain assets, particularly fixture announcements, would benefit from improved hierarchy and spacing to guide the viewer’s eye more effectively.
Creatively, the suite leans toward caution. There’s little experimentation with layout or motion, and while the player imagery is clean and well-handled, the overall approach feels more like a competent delivery of expected norms than a bold visual statement. Typography choices are safe, relying on standard sans-serif fonts that lack personality or flair. On a more positive note, the integration of club identity is solid, the colour palette is consistent, the crest is used appropriately, and there’s a clear respect for Wednesday’s heritage throughout the suite. It’s a foundation that works, but one that could be elevated with more daring design choices and typographic character.
Frankie’s Ranking: 17th
His Thoughts: The graphics are starting to feel quite repetitive, and there’s a sense of visual fatigue creeping in. This particular asset isn’t inherently flawed, aside from the noticeably low-quality player image, but given the broader challenges the club is facing, it’s likely not top of their priority list.
14th – Norwich City
Total Score: 37/50
Breakdown:
- Consistency: 7/10
- Creativity: 6/10
- Functionality: 8/10
- Typography: 7/10
- Club Identity Integration: 9/10
Norwich City’s graphic suite presents a semi-cohesive visual identity, though its consistency falters across different assets. Some elements lean into a modern, clean aesthetic, while others feel templated or slightly dated, lacking a strong visual spine to unify the suite. Creativity is present, but restrained layouts are safe, and treatments are predictable, with no standout concepts or memorable flourishes to elevate the brand. Functionally, the graphics do their job: matchday information is readable and well-structured, and the hierarchy is serviceable. However, occasional spacing and alignment issues detract from the overall polish.
Typography is clean and legible, offering a basic sense of hierarchy, but it lacks the distinctiveness needed to inject personality into the suite. It feels like a missed opportunity to add character and deepen emotional resonance. Where the suite does succeed is in its integration of club identity. The yellow-green palette, consistent crest usage, and subtle nods to local culture give the graphics a clear Norwich stamp. While not emotionally stirring, this visual loyalty anchors the suite in its roots, making it recognizably Canaries even if the execution doesn’t quite soar.
Frankie’s Ranking: 6th
His Thoughts: Norwich’s graphic suite is unmistakably clean, exactly what you’d expect from a design team that consistently nails the fundamentals. There’s a confident sense of art direction throughout, which naturally places them near the top end of any ranking. It’s polished and purposeful, but admittedly a bit basic in places, playing it safe rather than pushing boundaries. Still, the font choice is solid and well-considered, and the use of the interpunct between substitutes is a subtle but clever touch that adds a layer of finesse to the matchday layout.
13th – Stoke City
Total Score: 38/50
Breakdown:
- Consistency: 8/10
- Creativity: 7/10
- Functionality: 8/10
- Typography: 7/10
- Club Identity Integration: 8/10
Stoke City’s graphic suite delivers a consistent and cohesive visual identity across its matchday materials. The use of team colours, particularly the signature red and white, is reliably applied, with layout structures and font choices maintaining a unified look throughout. Typography is bold and legible, offering a clear hierarchy that supports readability, though certain placements occasionally feel tight and could benefit from more spatial breathing room. Overall, the suite reflects a disciplined approach to design fundamentals, ensuring fans instantly recognise the club’s presence in every graphic.
Creatively, the suite shows flashes of dynamism through its text placement and player imagery, injecting energy into otherwise conventional layouts. While the designs are solid and functional, they tend to play it safe, and a few standout flourishes, perhaps in background treatments or motion-inspired elements, could elevate the suite’s impact. Where it truly excels is in club identity integration: crest placement is confident, player imagery is well-utilised, and the colour palette reinforces Stoke’s unmistakable brand. The result is a graphic suite that feels authentically rooted in the club’s heritage, even if it leaves some creative potential untapped.
Frankie’s Ranking: 18th
His Thoughts: A controversial take, I know but this particular style of Starting XI graphic just doesn’t resonate with me. It’s clearly well-crafted, with strong font choices and a clean, effective layout, and I’ve no doubt other designers will appreciate its execution. But from a personal standpoint, it’s not the kind of aesthetic I connect with. Credit to Stoke for the quality, but it’s simply not my cup of tea.
12th – Southampton
Total Score: 39/50
Breakdown:
- Consistency: 8/10
- Creativity: 7/10
- Functionality: 8/10
- Typography: 8/10
- Club Identity Integration: 8/10
Southampton’s graphic suite delivers a consistent and polished visual experience, anchored by a reliable application of layout structure, colour palette, and branding elements. The rhythm across assets feels deliberate and cohesive, with player-focused visuals framed effectively and a quote graphic that injects a welcome human touch. Functionally, the suite excels with the match details, scores, and player highlights being communicated with clarity, and the layouts remain intuitive and accessible for fans. Typography choices are bold and legible, with a clear hierarchy that supports readability, though there’s subtle room to refine font pairing or introduce more expressive type treatments.
Creatively, the suite leans toward a clean and modern aesthetic, but it errs on the side of caution. While the execution is competent, it lacks the kind of visual storytelling or distinctive flourishes that could elevate its emotional impact. The red and white palette, crest placement, and overall tone do reinforce Southampton’s identity effectively, grounding the suite in club tradition. However, a touch more daring, whether through dynamic compositions, narrative-driven graphics, or inventive use of type, could push the suite from solid to standout.
Frankie’s Ranking:10th
His Thoughts: This graphic would easily top the “basic player one side, type the other” category if not for the inconsistent Starting XI widths, which slightly disrupt the visual harmony. It nails the essentials: crisp, high-quality photography, well-chosen fonts, and a layout that’s near-perfect in its simplicity. The shading is a standout detail, ensuring the white type remains legible even against white shirts, a subtle but smart solution that shows real design awareness. Overall, it’s a textbook example of how to do the basics brilliantly, with just one tweak standing between it and the top spot.
11th – Swansea City
Total Score: 40/50
Breakdown:
- Consistency: 8/10
- Creativity: 8/10
- Functionality: 8/10
- Typography: 8/10
- Club Identity Integration: 8/10
Swansea’s graphic suite delivers a cohesive and well-structured visual experience, with consistent layouts, a unified colour palette, and steady branding across all matchday assets. The inclusion of vote percentages in the “Player of the Match” graphic adds a layer of interactivity that invites fan participation, enhancing engagement. Functionally, the suite covers all essential touchpoints, lineup, kickoff, halftime, substitutions, full-time, and post-match recognition, ensuring a complete and reliable matchday narrative. Typography is bold and legible, with a clear hierarchy that supports readability, though there’s room to explore more expressive pairings or stylistic treatments to deepen visual interest.
Creatively, the suite shines through its integration of Welsh language elements like “Eilydd” and “Gol,” which inject cultural authenticity and local pride. The celebratory goal graphic is particularly well-composed, and the use of action shots and player imagery adds energy and relevance. That said, a touch more visual dynamism, such as motion blur or stylised overlays, could elevate the impact and bring a greater sense of movement to the designs. Club identity is strongly reinforced through consistent use of the crest, colour scheme, and nods to player nationalities, all of which root the suite firmly in Swansea’s heritage and fan culture.
Frankie’s Ranking: 7th
His Thoughts: This is the comeback of the century. Originally sitting at 24th, they’ve surged up the ranks thanks to a revamped graphic that completely changes the game. The new box layout is clean and effective, giving structure without feeling rigid, and the addition of flags behind the players adds a layer of identity that really pops. Galbraith’s inclusion is spot on, a smart choice that anchors the lineup with presence. The only lingering concern is how the layout might handle a long-name transfer; spacing could get tight, but that’s a minor worry in an otherwise impressive turnaround.
10th – Sheffield United
Total Score: 41/50
Breakdown:
- Consistency: 8/10
- Creativity: 7/10
- Functionality: 9/10
- Typography: 8/10
- Club Identity Integration: 9/10
Sheffield United’s graphic suite delivers a confident and cohesive visual rhythm, anchored by red overlays, player-centric compositions, and consistent framing across matchday assets. Line-up and goal graphics stand out with polish and clarity, though some secondary pieces like kick-off and next match posts feel slightly templated, lacking the same finesse. The suite excels in functionality: information hierarchy is sharp, updates are immediate, and visual noise is kept to a minimum. Typography leans heavily on bold, blocky sans-serifs that reinforce the club’s no-nonsense identity, though there’s room for more nuance in supporting text to soften the rigidity.
Creatively, the suite plays it safe. Player imagery is well-treated and cleanly presented, but the layouts rely on conventional structures without much visual storytelling or risk-taking. While the execution is solid, it doesn’t stretch the boundaries of what club graphics can evoke emotionally. That said, the integration of club identity is unmistakable; red, white, and black are used with confidence, and the crest is consistently present without dominating the frame. The tone aligns well with Sheffield United’s ethos, but a deeper dive into fan culture or historical references could elevate the suite’s resonance and give it a more distinctive edge.
Frankie’s Ranking:5th
His Thoughts: Now United’s current graphic suite is a strong follow-up to last year’s standout design, though it doesn’t quite match the elegance of its predecessor. The previous iteration, despite leaning into what some might call “woke” aesthetics, was a swipeable, visually rich experience that felt more refined and daring. This year’s effort still impresses, especially with its use of soft gradients and top-tier photography and editing, which give the visuals a polished, professional edge. It’s a commendable showing from the reigning champions, even if it plays things a touch safer than last year’s bold beauty.
9th – Middlesborough
Total Score: 42/50
Breakdown:
- Consistency: 9/10
- Creativity: 7/10
- Functionality: 9/10
- Typography: 8/10
- Club Identity Integration: 9/10
Middlesbrough’s graphic suite delivers near-flawless consistency, with every asset tightly aligned in layout, palette, and structural logic. There’s a clear sense of cohesion across the board; nothing feels out of place or hastily assembled. While creativity remains somewhat restrained, there are flickers of flair in the global graphics and motion elements that elevate the suite above generic territory. Functionality is a standout strength: matchday information is clean and digestible, and the inclusion of time zone graphics shows thoughtful consideration for fan experience.
Typography has been reassessed upward it may not be expressive, but it’s undeniably modern, clean, and well-structured, supporting the overall layout without drawing undue attention. Club identity integration, though subtle, is effective. The crest, colour palette, and tonal choices reflect Middlesbrough’s brand with quiet confidence. It’s not a suite that leans heavily into emotional storytelling, but it doesn’t need to; the visual language is unmistakably Boro, and that clarity of identity carries weight.
Frankie’s Ranking:8th
His Thoughts: This layout is becoming increasingly popular across clubs. Watford has used a similar approach before, and while it’s executed well here, there’s a sense that an even sharper version is just around the corner. Still, Middlesbrough’s take is commendable: the typography is crisp and modern, the layout is well-balanced, and the way the Starting XI blends seamlessly with the curtain-like background adds a clean, polished feel. It’s a strong showing overall, even if it doesn’t quite set the benchmark.
8th – West Brom
Total Score: 43/50
Breakdown:
- Consistency: 8/10
- Creativity: 8/10
- Functionality: 9/10
- Typography: 9/10
- Club Identity Integration: 9/10
West Brom’s graphic suite delivers a visually cohesive experience, with a strong sense of structure and clarity across its assets. While occasional layout shifts particularly between quote graphics and matchday visuals create minor disruptions in flow, the overall consistency remains solid. Functionality is a standout strength: key match elements like substitutions, goals, and line-ups are presented with intuitive clarity and purpose. Typography is confidently handled, with bold fonts and clear hierarchy guiding the viewer effectively, though a slight overuse of similar weights across different assets limits some variation.
Creatively, the suite leans toward a clean and professional aesthetic, opting for restraint over risk. It lacks the global flair or fan-centric embellishments seen in more adventurous designs, but this measured approach aligns well with the club’s grounded identity. The integration of crest, colours, and tone is seamless, making the suite feel unmistakably West Brom. A subtle retro undertone likely tied to the club’s 125-year anniversary adds emotional depth and historical resonance, anchoring the modern visuals in tradition without feeling dated.
Frankie’s Ranking:20th
His Thoughts:The background and subtle accent details in this graphic suite are genuinely appealing; they add a layer of polish and personality that elevates the visual tone. However, several core elements undermine the overall execution. The pairing of the two fonts feels mismatched, lacking harmony and cohesion across assets. Substitution graphics in particular suffer from unclear structure, and recurring spacing issues continue to disrupt visual balance. Even the aspect ratio feels slightly off neither the standard 1:1 nor the expected 4:5, but something closer to 4:5.3 which creates an awkward framing that may affect platform consistency. These issues collectively dilute the impact of what could otherwise be a strong, stylish suite.
7th – Watford
Total Score: 44/50
Breakdown:
- Consistency: 9/10
- Creativity: 8/10
- Functionality: 9/10
- Typography: 9/10
- Club Identity Integration: 9/10
Watford’s graphic suite presents a cohesive and polished visual identity, with consistent use of colour, layout, and typography across all assets. The hierarchy is clear, fonts are well-chosen and applied with precision, and the overall readability ensures that matchday information, scores, and quotes are delivered intuitively. The suite feels purposeful and unified, reflecting a strong grasp of design fundamentals. Club identity is woven in subtly but effectively Watford’s colours, crest, and tone are present throughout, reinforcing the brand without leaning on clichés or overused tropes.
Creatively, the suite is bold but errs on the side of caution. While the execution is clean and confident, there’s room for more adventurous flourishes particularly in player features or animated elements that could inject greater dynamism.
The typography, though technically sound, mirrors this conservatism; it’s functional and elegant, but lacks the standout flair that might push the suite into more memorable territory. A touch more experimentation could elevate the visual storytelling and give Watford’s assets a sharper edge in a crowded digital landscape.
Frankie’s Ranking: 24th
His Thoughts: It genuinely pains me to say this, especially given Watford’s usual reputation for strong graphic work, but this year’s suite just doesn’t land for me. The dual-font approach feels mismatched and slightly jarring, and the inconsistent lighting across player images disrupts the visual cohesion.
Layout-wise, it lacks the sharpness and clarity of previous seasons. There’s something about the structure that feels less refined, less confident. It’s not without merit, but compared to their past standards, this one feels like a step back.
6th – Wrexham
Total Score: 45/50
Breakdown:
- Consistency: 9/10
- Creativity: 9/10
- Functionality: 9/10
- Typography: 9/10
- Club Identity Integration: 9/10
Wrexham’s graphic suite delivers a consistently polished visual identity, anchored by a cohesive red-and-white palette and a recurring layout structure that ties each asset together. The suite maintains a uniform visual language across matchday graphics, line-ups, and quote cards, ensuring clarity and brand recognition.
Functionality is a clear strength, match details, scores, and player information are intuitively arranged, while the inclusion of Phil Parkinson’s quotes adds emotional depth and a strong club voice. Typography is bold and purposeful, with smart variation in size and weight that allows headers and quotes to stand out without overwhelming the viewer.
Substitution graphics are particularly well-executed, offering clean, legible displays of player names and numbers.
Creatively, the suite shines through its dynamic use of action photography, layered textures, and inventive compositions. The global kick-off map and time-zone graphic are standout features, blending practical utility with fan-centric flair that reinforces Wrexham’s growing international presence. These elements not only serve the global fanbase but also elevate the club’s storytelling.
Club identity is deeply embedded throughout Wrexham’s crest, colours, and tone are ever-present, and the suite strikes a compelling balance between modern polish and grassroots charm. It’s a visual reflection of Wrexham’s unique cultural position: ambitious yet grounded, global yet proudly local.
Frankie’s Ranking: 2nd
His Thoughts: This graphic nails every detail with precision and charm. The typography at the top sets the tone perfectly, and the sticker book aesthetic gives it a nostalgic, tactile feel that’s both playful and polished. The layout is clean yet characterful, and the fact that all the players are facing the same way adds a subtle but satisfying sense of cohesion.
The background is stunning, the type is spot-on, and every element feels thoughtfully placed; nothing is accidental here. It’s honestly flawless, and the fact it’s not sitting in first place feels like a real injustice.
5th – Blackburn Rovers
Total Score: 46/50
Breakdown:
- Consistency: 9/10
- Creativity: 8/10
- Functionality: 10/10
- Typography: 9/10
- Club Identity Integration: 10/10
Blackburn Rovers’ graphic suite delivers a tight, unified visual experience that feels curated rather than cobbled together. There’s a clear logic to the layouts, with recurring color schemes and consistent player imagery that tie everything together; each asset feels like part of a cohesive family.
The typography is clean and modern, with a strong sense of hierarchy that ensures clarity without sacrificing style. Fonts are well-chosen to reflect the club’s identity, maintaining legibility across formats while reinforcing the brand’s tone.
Functionally, the suite excels: line-ups are instantly digestible, goal alerts grab attention, and score updates are sharp and readable, all serving their purpose with precision.
Creatively, the suite walks a smart line between tradition and flair. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it avoids the trap of generic repetition by incorporating layered textures and dynamic player cutouts that add depth and energy.
The club’s identity is woven into every detail crest placement is deliberate, colors are true to the badge, and player prominence reinforces the emotional connection to the team.
It’s unmistakably Blackburn, not just in name but in spirit. This is a suite that understands its audience and its club, delivering graphics that feel both familiar and fresh.
Frankie’s Ranking: 22nd
His Thoughts: The graphic suite leans heavily on oversized badges, which dominate the layout and risk overshadowing other elements.
Functionally, it holds up most components to serve their purpose but the all-caps serif font introduces unnecessary stiffness and feels mismatched with the overall tone. Sponsor clutter is another issue, with too many logos competing for attention and diluting the visual impact.
Substitutes are difficult to read, and neither of the chosen fonts truly elevates the design. Visually, the blue rectangle overlay used in imagery feels like a missed opportunity flat and uninspired, lacking the texture or depth needed to make the graphics pop.
4th – Leicester City
Total Score: 47/50
Breakdown:
- Consistency: 10/10
- Creativity: 10/10
- Functionality: 10/10
- Typography: 7/10
- Club Identity Integration: 10/10
Leicester City’s graphic suite leans into a bold, high-contrast aesthetic that gives most panels a punchy, confident feel. Recurring typography and framing help establish a visual rhythm, though occasional tonal shifts like the gritty railway track in “Matchday” versus the sleek minimalism of the “Formation” layout introduce mild dissonance.
Functionally, each graphic hits its mark, but hierarchy could be refined, particularly in the “Line-Up” and “SUB” panels where visual clutter slightly compromises clarity. Typography is strong and legible, but lacks finesse; spacing often feels rushed, and there’s little variation to guide the viewer through different content types.
Creatively, the suite shines in moments of inventiveness. The “Player of the Match” and “Formation” panels showcase smart layout decisions and dynamic photography, while the time zone graphic adds a thoughtful, fan-first touch.
However, not all panels push boundaries; some rely on safe, template-driven structures that feel less inspired. Club identity is well integrated throughout, with consistent use of Leicester’s colours, crest, and player imagery anchoring the suite in its heritage.
The “Player of the Match” and “Goal” graphics, in particular, radiate club DNA, making the suite feel unmistakably Foxes even when the design language varies.
Frankie’s Ranking: 16th
His Thoughts: This suite continues the trend of photo-driven, scenery-based graphics, leaning heavily on atmospheric imagery to set the tone. While visually consistent, most panels feel familiar until the formation graphic steps in with a genuinely fresh, fan-friendly twist.
It’s a standout moment that adds value and could’ve anchored the entire set more effectively if given greater prominence. That said, the typography across the suite needs attention; all type elements are misaligned and should be shifted significantly left to improve balance and readability. Without that adjustment, even the stronger visuals struggle to land with full impact.
3rd – Birmingham City
Total Score: 48/50
Breakdown:
- Consistency: 10/10
- Creativity: 8/10
- Functionality: 10/10
- Typography: 10/10
- Club Identity Integration: 10/10
Birmingham City’s graphic suite is a masterclass in internal consistency and functional clarity. Every asset from line-ups to goal announcements adheres to a meticulous grid and spacing system, creating a visual rhythm that never falters. There’s no drift, no filler, just clean, deliberate execution.
The suite is designed for speed and accessibility, with a flawless hierarchy that translates effortlessly across platforms. It’s built for matchday immediacy, yet retains a polished finish that feels intentional and fan-centric. Typography choices reinforce this clarity: bold, modern sans-serifs with excellent weight control and spacing ensure legibility without sacrificing tone.
While not expressive in a flamboyant sense, the type feels emotionally appropriate, confident, grounded, and unmistakably Birmingham.
Creatively, the suite doesn’t chase avant-garde trends, but it doesn’t need to. Its strength lies in confident invention: diagonal overlays, layered player imagery, and subtle textures add depth and distinction without overwhelming the viewer. These touches elevate the suite above standard EFL fare, striking a balance between professionalism and personality.
Most impressively, club identity isn’t just present, it’s embedded. The crest, colors, sponsor elements, and player visuals are woven into the design DNA, amplifying Birmingham’s presence rather than merely representing it. This isn’t just a graphic system, it’s a visual extension of the club’s voice.
Frankie’s Ranking: 23rd
His Thoughts: The biggest issue here is the harsh gradient applied to the render it feels unnecessary and disrupts the overall balance of the graphic. Functionally, the layout holds up, but there are several typographic missteps that undermine clarity. Using three different fonts introduces visual noise, and the one chosen for the Starting XI lacks impact and polish. Substitutes are particularly difficult to read, likely due to poor contrast or sizing, and the text alignment feels inconsistent; ranging left or right would immediately improve readability and structure. These tweaks wouldn’t just clean it up visually, they’d make the whole asset feel more intentional and matchday ready.
2nd – Charlton Athletic
Total Score: 49/50
Breakdown:
- Consistency: 10/10
- Creativity: 10/10
- Functionality: 10/10
- Typography: 9/10
- Club Identity Integration: 10/10
Charlton’s graphic suite delivers a masterclass in consistency and club identity. Across formats, the red palette, rhythmic layouts, and disciplined font usage create a unified visual language that feels unmistakably “Charlton” at every touchpoint.
The suite doesn’t just repeat motifs it evolves them, allowing creativity to flourish without compromising brand integrity. Goal graphics, player of the match visuals, and fixture promos all showcase inventive framing and dynamic energy, proving that variation can coexist with cohesion.
Functionally, the suite excels: match information is instantly digestible, updates are timely, and every asset is optimized for fan engagement across platforms.
Typography is bold, legible, and confidently placed, with an intuitive hierarchy that reinforces Charlton’s assertive tone. While there’s minor room for typographic experimentation, the execution is clean and effective, with no real flaws.
Most impressively, the club’s identity is deeply embedded throughout the suite. From the colour choices and crest integration to the player-centric focus and emotionally resonant tone, every graphic reinforces Charlton’s brand in a way that feels both authentic and local. It’s a suite that doesn’t just represent the club it amplifies its spirit.
Frankie’s Ranking: 15th
His Thoughts: No offence intended, but the only element that slightly holds this design back compared to others with the render on one side and type on the other is that bottom right curve—it unintentionally makes the render appear awkwardly cropped, almost like a mistake rather than a stylistic choice.
That aside, there are some fun quirks worth noting: the substitute names are impressively long, which adds a bit of visual chaos, and the club badges are absolutely massive, dominating the layout in a way that’s bold but maybe a touch overwhelming.
1st – Hull City
Total Score: 50/50
Breakdown:
- Consistency: 10/10
- Creativity: 10/10
- Functionality: 10/10
- Typography: 10/10
- Club Identity Integration: 10/10
Hull City’s graphic suite is a masterclass in cohesion and clarity. Every asset from matchday visuals to player spotlights feels like a deliberate part of a unified system. There’s no stylistic drift or tonal inconsistency; the visual language is tight and disciplined. Functionality is equally impressive: layouts are clean, hierarchy is intuitive, and even the more expressive pieces maintain usability.
Typography choices strike a rare balance between boldness and readability, with stylized fonts that feel distinctive yet never compromise legibility. It’s a suite that respects the viewer’s attention while elevating the club’s voice.
Where Hull truly sets itself apart is in its creative confidence and deep-rooted identity work. The suite doesn’t chase trendsit defines them. Techniques like the “GOAL GOAL GOAL” repetition, global time stamps, and layered textures show a fearless, forward-thinking approach to design.
But it’s the integration of club DNA that gives the suite its emotional weight. The tiger motif, gritty textures, and amber-black palette aren’t just aesthetic choices, they’re narrative tools that channel Hull’s spirit and history. This isn’t just graphic design; it’s visual storytelling with teeth.
Frankie’s Ranking: 1st
His Thoughts: Hull City didn’t just edge past Wrexham’s impressive suite—they obliterated expectations. The execution is outrageous: from the razor-sharp photography and editing to the way colours blend seamlessly across formats, it’s a visual feast. The typography is crystal clear, anchoring each graphic with confidence and clarity. And those unique badge treatments? They’re not just good—they’re unreal. Every detail feels intentional, every asset elevated.
It’s wild how consistently strong this suite is. The photography and post-production are once again top-tier, reinforcing Hull’s knack for visual storytelling. The colour work is bold yet refined, and the badge variations are so striking you can’t help but want to see the full set. This isn’t just design—it’s a statement. Hull’s creative team is operating on a different level.
Thank you for reading and a Huge thanks to Frankie for his rankings and thoughts on this Championship edition. Check out his twitter Here.
