Leyton Orient Challenges Wrexham Over Similarity in New Third Kit Badge

Leyton Orient has publicly criticised Wrexham’s owners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, over the design of the Welsh club’s new third kit badge, which bears a striking resemblance to Orient’s iconic crest introduced in 1976.

Wrexham unveiled their new third strip on Wednesday, featuring a cream base with a black collar and terracotta-orange detailing. The launch was accompanied by official images of Reynolds and McElhenney modelling the kit on the club’s website. However, attention quickly shifted to the badge, which marks a notable departure from Wrexham’s traditional emblem. The usual crest features two red dragons facing inward, a golden football, the Prince of Wales feathers with a coronet and motto, and Welsh flag colours.

In contrast, the new badge displays two wyverns or dragons facing each other over a football, a design that closely mirrors Leyton Orient’s badge. Orient’s crest, introduced in 1976, was created to symbolise the club’s connections with the City of London and the River Thames. The similarity has not gone unnoticed, prompting Leyton Orient’s owners to publicly question Wrexham’s intentions, reportedly asking, “What you playing at?”

This incident has sparked a broader debate within football about originality and the respect owed to club heritage when designing kits and badges. Leyton Orient’s challenge highlights the importance clubs place on their unique identities and the potential consequences when those identities appear to be imitated.

Wrexham, competing in the English Football League, continue to grow their brand under the stewardship of Reynolds and McElhenney, who have been actively investing to raise the club’s profile. The new third kit and badge form part of a wider strategy to refresh Wrexham’s image and appeal to a broader base of fans and sponsors.

Moving forward, this controversy could lead to discussions between Leyton Orient and Wrexham regarding branding and intellectual property rights. Meanwhile, Wrexham will aim to keep their focus on their upcoming League fixtures, striving to ensure their on-field performances remain the primary focus amid the off-field debate.

For further details, visit The Guardian.