Wrexham’s rapid rise through the leagues leaves Phil Parkinson and co with tough decisions to make over who comes along for the journey.
Just 18 months ago, Wrexham were pushing for promotion from the National League having missed out on the play-offs to Grimsby Town in 2022.
Phil Parkinson has now masterminded back-to-back promotions, leading Wrexham from non-league to into League One in rapid fashion.
Wrexham continue to aim high under Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds with the club going from strength to strength.
Players must be so excited to be playing a part in this Wrexham rise, especially with the added fame from being featured on ‘Welcome to Wrexham’.
Unfortunately, not everybody can be on the Wrexham journey through the rise up the leagues and a handful of players have been let go this summer.
Rob Lainton, Aaron Hayden, Jordan Tunnicliffe and Luke Young are among the players to go having been released at the end of their deals this summer.
Ben Tozer finds new club after Wrexham exit
Hayden and Tunnicliffe weren’t the only centre backs to go.
Wrexham also decided to release Ben Tozer with the veteran reaching the end of his deal this summer.
Tozer joined Wrexham from Cheltenham Town back in the summer of 2021, the first summer window of the McElhenney and Reynolds era.
Former Newcastle United talent Tozer dropped from League One to the National League in order to join Wrexham and he played a key role in the club’s rise.
An outstanding leader at the back, Tozer offered a real threat with his enormous throw-ins and his experience has been invaluable.
The 34-year-old found himself out of the team towards the end of the season though and Wrexham decided to let him move on.
Tozer has talked up a potential return to Wrexham in the future, potentially as a coach, but he has now landed a new deal to continue his playing career.
Forest Green Rovers – relegated from League Two – have confirmed the signing of Tozer as they look to win promotion from the National League.
Tozer comments on Forest Green Rovers transfer
Tozer has penned a deal to play under Steve Cotterill and the move allows him to be a little closer to home.
The centre back hails from Plymouth and the trip from Nailsworth is certainly easier to manage than the journey from Wrexham.
Tozer has now commented on the move having signed on the dotted line – and he mentioned his success with Wrexham.
Speaking to Forest Green’s official website, Tozer admitted that the Wrexham experience has been ‘incredible’ and ‘amazing’.
Tozer feels that he has learned a lot at Wrexham, as it’s the first time in a while that he has been on the fringes of the side and been viewed as an experienced head whilst on the bench.
Cotterill’s plans for the club tempted Tozer into making the move, with the defender excited about Forest Green’s future moving forward.
“Getting promoted back-to-back was incredible and it was amazing to be part of the club during that time,” said Tozer. “I gained a lot of experience playing a good chunk of games for Wrexham and learned a lot while supporting the younger players from the sidelines.”
“There were quite a few things. During my off season I wrote up a do’s and don’t list; what I wanted from my next move, obviously I want to continue the highs but there’s more to it than just winning games.”
“Also the gaffer and his plans and aspirations, the kind of dressing room and culture he wants in the team, the other players and signings he wants to make, and he was keen to accommodate me and my family. Then there’s the plans off the pitch like the new training ground, it all goes hand in hand,” he added.
Wrexham will wish Tozer all the best with Humphrey Ker even throwing his support towards him as he takes the next step in his career after leaving the STōK Cae Ras.
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