Wrexham captain Ben Tozer has joked that a new EFL rule next season could end up ‘ruining his career.’
Last season, Wrexham secured promotion back to the English Football League (EFL) after a fifteen years hiatus.
The Red Dragons’ return was done in some style too, securing a record 111 points to clinch the title and the only automatic promotion the National League offers.
There were a number of heroes who were part of Wrexham’s triumphant National League campaign last season. While Paul Mullin will undoubtedly get all the plaudits for his sensational goalscoring efforts, captain and central defender Ben Tozer was just as integral.
EFL to introduce new rule change for 2023/2024 season
The defensive stalwart has many facets to his game, although perhaps none more eye-catching than his long throw-ins. The long throw-in was popularised by Tony Pulis’s Stoke City during their Premier League days, with Rory Delap essentially turning them into a set-piece routine with his ability to launch the ball into the box.
Evidently inspired by Pulis and Delap, Phil Parkinson‘s side have employed a similar tactic in recent years to incredible success.
The long throw-ins were a potent weapon for Wrexham last season which resulted in many goals. However, a new EFL rule aimed at keeping the ball in play for longer means their potency could be limited next season.
Specifically, the EFL is banning players from using towels to dry match balls for throw-ins, and is introducing a multi-ball system, similar to what we have in the Premier League, to increase the time the ball is in play.
Ben Tozer says new EFL rule could ‘ruin his career’
That’s obviously bad news for Tozer, who recently joked that the rule could ‘ruin his career.’
“I might have upset someone in the EFL because they’re trying to ruin my career. I nearly had to hand my retirement straight away,” he joked.
He went on: “I understand it because some people see it as anti-football, but it’s part of football. Throw-ins are just like a corner or a penalty, they are set pieces.
“We had a bit of an advantage but there are ways around everything and I’ve got the shirt that I’m wearing. I can still dry the ball with that.
“I’m sure there will be other ways around it as well but it’s just one of those things you just have to get on with.”
The EFL confirmed the move earlier this month.
A statement read: “Clubs will no longer be permitted to use towels or other articles, including items obtained from spectators to dry footballs during matches.
“The EFL will introduce a multi-ball system in all its competitions for the 2023/24 season.
“Match balls will be placed on cones in designated areas at pitch side to help increase the time of the ball being in play.”
Nevertheless, Tozer is still confident about Wrexham’s chances of securing back-to-back promotions next season.
“The National League is tougher than League Two for many reasons and I don’t see why we can’t challenge,” the centre-back said.
“Three teams going up automatically takes a bit of pressure off in a way because there is more chance of going up. We will enjoy this moment right now but as soon as it comes to it, it is full focus on that.”
Wrexham start their League Two campaign off at home to MK Dons on August 5.