Since Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took over Wrexham AFC in November 2020, their ownership has been heralded as a transformative moment for the club, both on and off the pitch. With the Hollywood duo’s deep involvement in the club’s progress, they have made several promises to Wrexham’s fans, ensuring the identity and traditions of the club would be protected. Among those commitments, one of the key assurances was that the club would not be relocated, renamed, or rebranded. However, the debate over one of the most iconic symbols of Wrexham—its crest—has resurfaced, sparking discussions about whether it is time for a modernization or redesign.
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In the years since their acquisition, Wrexham has experienced significant growth in both stature and global recognition, partly due to the popularity of the Disney+ documentary series Welcome to Wrexham. The club has also enjoyed a return to the Football League, a remarkable achievement that has brought a renewed sense of pride and optimism among its supporters. But amid the newfound success, a question has emerged: should the club’s historic crest, which has been in use since the 19th century, be updated to reflect its new era?
The Origins of Wrexham’s Crest
Wrexham’s current crest is deeply tied to the club’s history and heritage, featuring two red dragons—a symbol of Wales—along with the Prince of Wales’s feathers and the Latin motto “Ich Dien”, meaning “I serve”. This emblem has become synonymous with the club’s identity, having been part of the club’s image for over a century. For many fans, it represents the long-standing history of Wrexham AFC and its place in the heart of Welsh football.
However, for some, the crest has become a symbol of nostalgia and tradition, while others believe it may not be entirely in line with the modern identity of the club. As Wrexham continues to grow and evolve, the question arises whether the time has come for a redesign that reflects the new global outlook of the club, while respecting its roots.
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The Podcast Debate: RobRyanRed Speaks Out
The debate about Wrexham’s crest came to the forefront recently during an episode of the RobRyanRed podcast, where hosts Nathan Salt and Rich Fay explored the possibility of a modernized badge. While Reynolds and McElhenney have consistently emphasized their commitment to preserving the club’s core identity, the hosts raised the question of whether it is time to reassess the current crest in light of Wrexham’s rising profile.
Nathan Salt, a lifelong Wrexham supporter and the voice behind the podcast, acknowledged the promises made by the club’s owners, but suggested that a fresh conversation around the crest might not be out of place. He noted the club’s mission statement, which explicitly stated that the crest and identity would be protected, but added, “What would it take for people to be open to the conversation of changing the crest?”
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Salt admitted that the idea of a redesign seemed almost sacrilegious at first. Still, he argued that modernizing the badge could be an opportunity to make it more representative of Wrexham’s contemporary status—especially as the club attracts a more international audience. “When I think about it now,” Salt said, “it’s got the feathers on it, and it’s got ‘Ich Dien,’ which is the Prince of Wales’s motto. You then open a can of worms with the connotations attached to that, like James McClean has pointed out with the feathers. So it gets tricky.”
Salt was referencing the wider conversation around the Prince of Wales’s feathers, which some see as a symbol with problematic political connotations, particularly in the context of Northern Ireland. This debate has added a layer of complexity to discussions about whether the crest needs to evolve.
Changing Traditions: The Balancing Act Between Heritage and Modernity
Rich Fay, co-presenter of the RobRyanRed podcast, also weighed in, initially taking a stance against any changes to the crest. However, after reflecting on the matter, he acknowledged the importance of the design elements, like the Prince of Wales feathers, and how they could be interpreted in a modern context.
“There’s definitely an issue around the feathers,” Fay said. “It’s the Prince of Wales’s motto, and then you open a whole can of worms. I used to think, ‘Why change it?’ but the more I thought about it, it made me wonder if there’s room for adaptation.”
The question of whether a redesign would alienate long-time supporters is significant. Many fans are deeply attached to the current crest, seeing it as an integral part of the club’s heritage. Football supporters are often fiercely protective of their club’s traditions, and any attempt to alter a long-standing emblem runs the risk of backlash. A quick look at the history of football rebranding shows the often contentious nature of crest redesigns. Clubs like Cardiff City, for example, faced intense criticism when they altered their badge in 2009, changing their iconic bluebird to a red dragon in an effort to appeal to a broader, more commercial audience. The move sparked protests and was ultimately reversed.
For Wrexham, the dilemma lies in finding a balance between honoring the club’s deep-rooted traditions while also adapting to its evolving position as a global football entity.
A Step Toward Consultation
Despite the calls for a redesign, Wrexham has been clear about its commitment to consultation with fans before any major changes are made to its identity. A document from August, part of a broader fan engagement blueprint, outlines the club’s intentions to preserve its heritage assets. The document reads: “The club understands that certain aspects are crucial to the club history and identity and are committed to reflecting this by identifying ‘heritage assets’ which cannot be altered without consultation with supporters.”
The document further emphasizes that if the club does wish to make significant changes to the crest or kit colors, it would need to undertake a “thorough and extensive consultation process” with supporters. This pledge has been a source of reassurance for fans, ensuring that any changes would not be imposed without first gauging the views of the Wrexham faithful.
The ongoing conversation also highlights the complexities of managing a historic club with deep ties to its community, while also navigating the pressures of modernizing in an era where global branding plays a large role in the financial success of football clubs.
What Does the Future Hold?
While the future of Wrexham’s crest remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have been deeply committed to listening to the voices of the supporters. They have consistently emphasized their desire to retain the club’s soul and identity, which is why any decision on changing the crest will likely involve an open, transparent dialogue with the fanbase.
For now, it seems that the club’s identity, including its emblem, is safe from drastic changes. Fans can take comfort in the fact that any potential redesign will only occur after an extensive consultation process. Whether the crest undergoes a minor refresh or remains unchanged will depend on how the supporters of Wrexham AFC feel about the balance between heritage and modernity.
As Wrexham continues to rise in prominence, one thing is certain: the club will remain committed to its legacy, and the conversation around its identity will likely continue to evolve along with its growing global stature.
For now, Wrexham fans will have to watch closely as Reynolds, McElhenney, and the club’s leadership navigate the difficult waters of change while honoring the traditions that make the club so special to its supporters. Whether or not the crest will be modernized, Wrexham’s place in the hearts of its fans—and on the world stage—remains secure.
