This is likely to be the most important summer in Wrexham’s history as the Red Dragons prepare for life back in the second tier, but two old faces will be a part of the tour of Australia.
After the historic third-successive promotion last season, Phil Parkinson will lead Wrexham into uncharted territory with what is the club’s first spell in what we now call the Championship.
There are plenty of things to look out for during pre-season, with Ollie Palmer’s future in the air, new boy Ryan Hardie to keep an eye on, and potential new signings to come, too.
But, one thing we did not have on our bingo card was the return of Ben Foster and Ben Tozer, who will now be part of the tour of Australia, albeit in a non-playing capacity.
Ben Tozer and Ben Foster joining Wrexham’s pre-season tour
Most fans following the pre-season tour will be more concerned with the actual football being played, but the two Wrexham legends are joining forces with the club as part of exclusive Soccer Camps the Red Dragons are hosting while they’re Down Under.
The pair will be involved in sessions that aim to teach children aged 5-14 about ‘The Wrexham Way’ when it comes to football, passing on experience and knowledge during events across Australia and New Zealand.
On his involvement in the tour, Foster said: “I’m looking forward to heading out to Australia, it’s the type of trip people only get to do once in their lifetime so I’m really looking forward to it.
“We want to share how this really special football club likes to do things; we take our football seriously, but we like to do it with a smile on our face.”
Meanwhile, Tozer added: “I’m really excited for the opportunity to travel as part of the Town Down Under Tour with this amazing Club, helping to assist with Wrexham AFC Soccer Camps.”
Jamie Edwards, Head of Community at Wrexham AFC, described how these events aim to offer youngsters “a unique experience they’ll never forget” while also helping to increase the club’s global appeal.
Looking back at the impact Tozer and Foster had at Wrexham
Ben Tozer was one of Phil Parkinson’s first signings at Wrexham, joining the club just under two months after the gaffer. He would go on to make 131 appearances for the Red Dragons, captaining the club many times before moving on to Forest Green a year ago.
Despite his role diminishing as time went on, Tozer was a key part of the National League promotion-winning squad, and played a bit-part role in the promotion from League Two.
Interestingly, fans had wanted Tozer to return to the club in a coaching capacity since he retired at the end of last season. With this latest development, they may well end up getting that wish one day.
Ben Foster had a brief but very successful stint with Wrexham in 2023 (which was actually his second spell with the club after a loan move back in 2005).
The experienced goalkeeper joined late on in the National League campaign of 2022/23 and helped the Red Dragons win the title with some key saves, including a dramatic penalty stop late on against Notts County.
Foster has since retired, too. But, he’s clearly been keeping a close eye on Wrexham, and even predicted the Red Dragons will reach the Premier League within the next five years.