Wrexham Fans Are Losing Their Heads Over a Third-Shirt Badge

Heads Roll Over a... Badge

Now, I'm not averse to getting upset over badges (read my column on the whole White Dragon Fiasco), but this is completely different. The white dragon had historical connotations that disregarded Welsh history. The new badge on the third shirt is simply a modernised, temporary alteration on a shirt that probably won't be seen all that often.

The Wrexham AFC Third Shirt for 2026/27

Available now at Dick’s Sporting Goods and all good retailers.https://t.co/vPFAfEhEeQ pic.twitter.com/zbdS2n5TFF

— Craig Jones 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 (@craigyjones17) August 8, 2026

The new design moves away from the historic crest, which features two dragons facing each other and holding a football, alongside the Prince of Wales feathers. Instead, it uses a more modern version featuring just the two dragons.

In my view, this is a positive way of modernising the club badge without causing any real offence. It could even be the club putting out feelers to see how fans would react to the idea of changing the badge permanently.

Spoiler: NOT WELL.

There Have Been Calls to Redesign The Crest For Years

For as long as I can remember, there have been people calling for the Wrexham crest to be redesigned. One of the biggest criticisms has been the Prince of Wales feathers, with some fans wanting them removed in favour of a colliery wheel that would better represent Wrexham's rich and historic connection to mining.

When you consider the importance of the Gresford Colliery disaster to both the town and the football club, it is surprising to me that this change has never really been explored, even through commemorative versions of the crest.

In 1934, 266 men and boys were killed in an explosion at Gresford Colliery's Dennis section. The disaster happened on the eve of Wrexham's match against Tranmere Rovers, with many miners working double shifts so they could attend the game the following day. The tragedy has remained an important part of Wrexham's history, yet the club has never incorporated the colliery wheel into its crest in a meaningful or permanent way.

The calls to remove the Prince of Wales feathers have also largely come from Welsh fans who view them as an imposed symbol of Welsh identity. The feathers are associated with the Prince of Wales, a title historically connected to English rule over Wales and a complicated part of Welsh history. That is particularly significant when you consider that figures such as Llywelyn ap Gruffydd and Owain Glyndŵr are still revered in Welsh history for their resistance to English rule.

Personally, I wouldn't have an issue with the feathers being removed. I think there is a legitimate argument that a colliery wheel could represent Wrexham and its history far better. But at the same time, I don't see it as a pressing issue. There are far more important things for the club to be worrying about than whether a few feathers are sitting on the badge.

Is this a Rebrand?

The main criticism I'm seeing from fans is that when Rob and Ryan took over, one of their mission statements was that the club would not be renamed, relocated or rebranded. Some fans have taken this to mean that the club crest would remain untouched, and feel that this is another example of the club subtly changing parts of its identity to make itself more appealing to a worldwide audience.

In their mission statement they said they wouldn't mess around with the clubs colours, badge etc without extensive consolation.
Are complaints about the feathers etc from the core fan base or noisy minority on social media?
The current badge is only around 50yrs old but.

— Chris De Burger (@Chris_De_Burger) August 9, 2026

That concern has been heightened by the fact that this version of the badge has featured on mock-ups of the new Kop, which is currently being built. It has understandably led some fans to question whether this is actually a temporary change for the third shirt, or whether it could be a sign of something bigger to come.

When you look at American football (soccer, not the bastardised version of rugby they call football), the majority of MLS club badges feature very minimalistic and modern designs. In many ways, the new Wrexham badge could fit comfortably alongside them.

But this isn't something unique to America. Football clubs across the world have been modernising and streamlining their crests, with clubs such as Arsenal, Sunderland and Liverpool all making changes to their identities over the years.

I think there is definitely a conversation to be had about clubs changing their crests and the impact that can have on their identity. A football badge isn't just a logo; for many fans, it represents generations of history, memories and belonging.

But Wrexham haven't announced that they're changing their badge. Until they do, I don't think this particular situation should be treated as the beginning of the end for the club crest. For now, it's a different badge on a third shirt.

So, Have the Club Actually Done Anything Wrong?

Short answer: no.

The club hasn't done anything wrong. In recent years, most clubs have used their third kits as an opportunity to be a little more expressive and creative, and this new badge is simply another example of that.

If the club does eventually want to change the crest, then I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing either. However, there would need to be proper consultation, with meetings and a town hall where fans can openly discuss their feelings about the prospect of a new badge.

Given the way Rob and Ryan have treated the club and its supporters with respect since taking over, I fully trust them to make the right decision and, more importantly, to have an open and honest conversation with fans before making such a significant change.

So, let's be honest, all of this commotion over a temporary change is just people being bored and pissing their pants over nothing. It is another example of the lack of football during pre-season sending fans into meltdown over things that, ultimately, really aren't that important.

"Come on kids, let's pack your stuff - we're staying at Grandma's for a while seeing as your father is still crying over the badge on Wrexham's 2026/27 third kit"

— JJ Glinder (@Glyndwr_30) August 10, 2026

The badge hasn't been changed. The club hasn't been rebranded. Wrexham haven't suddenly abandoned their identity.

It's a third shirt. That's it.