Ben Tozer believes Wrexham have a ‘phenomenal’ player who was simply ‘outstanding’ for Phil Parkinson throughout the 2023/24 campaign.
Ben Tozer was a colossal figure in Wrexham’s rise from the National League to the third tier of English football.
Famed for his iconic long throw and no-nonsense approach to defending, the 34-year-old left Wrexham at the end of his contract this summer after 131 appearances, seven goals and two promotions with the Reds.
Tozer played ninety minutes in 23 of their first 27 matches in League Two but then only played 48 minutes from the end of February onwards as Phil Parkinson preferred a back three of Max Cleworth, Eoghan O’Connell and Tom O’Connor.
After bidding an emotional farewell to the Racecourse Ground, the Englishman was snapped up by National League outfit Forest Green Rovers and has since showered one of his defensive partners with praise.
Ben Tozer described Eoghan O’Connell as simply ‘outstanding’
Wrexham centre-back O’Connell was one beneficiary of Tozer’s reduced game-time, starting 30 times in the league, including each of their final 18 matches.
The 28-year-old was a pillar of solidity in between Cleworth and O’Connor for most of the run-in as Parkinson’s side clinched promotion with two matches to spare.
Tozer was left blown away by O’Connell’s performances in the heart of defence, claiming he couldn’t have lost his place in the side to a better person or player.
Speaking to The Leader, the veteran defender said: “Eoghan was superb. I couldn’t have lost my place to a better player or person. The performances he was turning out were phenomenal and you have got to take your hat off to him.
“I am not a bitter person. There is no point sitting there thinking ‘that should be me’ or ‘that could be me’. If I am being honest with you, Eoghan played better than I was. You give credit where it is due and he was outstanding.”
Eoghan O’Connell is irreplaceable to Wrexham
O’Connell is theoretically replaceable but to Parkinson currently, the former Rochdale defender is irreplaceable.
In League Two last term, he made the most interceptions of any player in the Wrexham squad per game (1.8) and the third most clearances (4).
O’Connell is a brick wall in between the two wide centre-backs, putting his body on the line for the team and as the Reds prepare for League One, his experience will be vital.
The former Republic of Ireland under-21 star has made more appearances in the third tier (120) than any other league and that is a level he belongs at.
Many questioned his decision to sign for Wrexham in January 2023 as he dropped down two divisions after leaving Charlton however, like many players who made the switch, it’s a gamble that paid off.
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