Wrexham AFC struck gold with Cheltenham Town deal - his role in Reynolds, McElhenney era was key | OneFootball

Wrexham AFC's signing of Ben Tozer was brilliant.

Wrexham AFC have had some pivotal players on their rise to League One and none more so than Ben Tozer.

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bought the club back in November 2020, and their arrival sparked the beginning of a new era at the Racecourse Ground.

The summer of 2021 was their first real chance to force change in the transfer market and one of their marquee signings was Ben Tozer from Cheltenham Town.

Tozer had just played a crucial role in Cheltenham’s promotion from League Two, with the Robins clinching the title. A rock at the heart of Michael Duff’s defence, he made 55 appearances that season, including an FA Cup fourth-round tie against eventual Premier League champions Manchester City.

Moving down two tiers to Wrexham was always seen as a questionable decision, but with the likes of Paul Mullin and Ollie Palmer joining him, it ultimately proved to be the right call for the experienced centre-half.

Ben Tozer's brilliant Wrexham spell

Joining a team that were promotion favourites, Tozer arrived at the Racecourse with high expectations, having just played a pivotal role in securing promotion from the tier above.

Immediately, new manager Phil Parkinson placed his trust in the former Yeovil Town man, slotting him into his 3-5-2 system, where Tozer was able to play anywhere across the back three. His immense long throws also became a key feature of Wrexham's attacking set-up, with Tozer comfortably able to launch the ball into the six-yard box from anywhere in the final third.

Unfortunately, his first season ended in disappointment. Despite entering the play-offs as clear favourites, Wrexham came up short as Grimsby Town triumphed in a dramatic 5-4 semi-final.

Determined to make amends, Tozer came back stronger the following season. In one of the most hotly contested title races in National League history against Notts County, he ensured redemption. Featuring in all 46 league games, the central defender was outstanding, and he captained the side to the title in the final stretch.

In the penultimate game, Wrexham came from 1-0 down to defeat Boreham Wood 3-1, securing promotion.

Having led the team to promotion, Tozer was named club captain ahead of the 2023-24 season. He continued to play a pivotal role in the opening months of the campaign, remaining a significant presence in the dressing room, even though his involvement was slightly reduced in the second half of the season.

Once again, Wrexham were at their brilliant best, and Tozer had the honour of lifting the promotion trophy as they finished second to Stockport County, securing successive promotions.

Ben Tozer will always be cherished by Wrexham supporters

While he may not have been the most glamorous signing when he first moved to Wrexham, it’s fair to say that Ben Tozer was the ideal addition, particularly given the style of football Phil Parkinson favours.

His direct approach and no-nonsense defending suited Parkinson's tactics perfectly, and his arrival played a key role in kick-starting Wrexham’s rise up the English pyramid.

As is often the case with promotions, squad changes are inevitable, and Tozer was released last summer with the step-up to League One considered a step too far for him at this stage of his career.

Nonetheless, his three years at the club were exceptional, and his importance was highlighted by Ben Foster on his podcast in 2024, where he spoke highly of Tozer's leadership and contributions.

"In my first few days walking through the changing room at Wrexham, I saw a man who was a leader, an authority," said the former Red Dragons keeper.

"He was the captain that wasn't the captain. Youngy was the captain but in everybody's eyes, he (Tozer) was the captain."

Now playing for Forest Green Rovers in the fifth tier, his aim is to get another team back to League Two and heading in the right direction. Wrexham supporters will be thankful for the aid he provided in helping them achieve just this and his contributions will live long in the memory.