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“I’ve invested a lot of my time, my blood, sweat, and tears and I won’t stop doing that because this club is pretty special.”
Ben Tozer’s rallying call couldn’t come at a more important time for Wrexham, as the Vanarama National League draws towards its conclusion.
The Red Dragons currently lie in second place, with a blockbuster game still to come on Sunday against the league leaders, Stockport County.
Tozer – who made his 500th career appearance this season – has played a pivotal role at the heart of Phil Parkinson’s defense this season, and despite already securing a place at Wembley for the FA Trophy Final, he says they aren’t done yet.
“The fans welcomed me from the start very well and when my time comes I’d love to leave the Club in a better position and I’ll endeavor to do my all to help achieve that,” he said.
“It’s honestly superb, it’s the biggest Club I’ve actually played for, and let’s just hope we can deliver on the pitch.
“The fans have been absolutely incredible, they come in their numbers and it’s ridiculous how well supported we are, to be honest.
“You look at some of our bigger away games and we’ve had 2,000 there, which is probably the top level of League One or bottom half Championship-level support.
“We’ve not achieved anything yet, but what we have done is pretty special.”
It was all change at the Racecourse in the summer, as Tozer became one of 10 new signings.
He joined the Club off the back of a triumphant title-winning campaign with Cheltenham Town and, after having a difficult start, he explained he hasn’t looked back since.
He continued: “At first, you’re in a situation where I thought‘ why would I leave Cheltenham ’, to then speaking to my wife, my family, captains I’ve had in the past and telling them it’s a great opportunity for me.
“It’s something that took a bit of time but I personally couldn’t turn it down with the security, ambition, and size of the Club.
“It was tough at the start with the extra traveling and you say to yourself to crack on and get your head down. It’s not until you look back and actually realize that during the first six weeks I was completely shattered.
“It took a bit of time to get into a routine with less time at home with my wife and kids.
“I definitely made the right choice, it’s a fantastic Club and the potential is there for everyone to see.”
One of the challenges that the investment posed was getting the squad to gel together on and off the pitch.
Fourteen players have been brought in by Parkinson, and Tozer expressed how crucial it has been for the players to form relationships.
He added: “I don’t think people believe you but I spoke about it when I first signed, that building those relationships is so key, especially in an integral part of the team like the back three.
‘To build a relationship it doesn’t take a’ hello, I’m Ben, ‘or them saying’ you alright, I’m Aaron, ‘or’ hi, I’m Harry, nice to meet you. ‘
“It’s about getting to know each other’s game inside and out. When the ball goes in a certain area near the players, I know what they’re going to do, but in the first few games I’d not got a clue.
“It’s been harder to make those relationships, especially with COVID at the start and we haven’t had a team night out together.”
The 21/22 campaign has provided many memorable moments, from reaching the FA Trophy Final to the incredible comeback victory against Dover Athletic.
Nobody anticipated the dramatic circumstances that occurred in the latter, and Tozer revealed that the game sticks out as one to remember.
“Talking about highlights and euphoria, that winner was almost a moment where you leave your body, it was incredible.
“Off the pitch, my little boy and girl were there with my wife and since that moment it’s like my little boy has become addicted to football!
“He hadn’t been to a game for ages due to the weather, and after that game, he runs out into the garden shouting‘ Wrexham, Wrexham ’, and we live nowhere near Wrexham as well!”
Alongside the attacking threat in front of goal from the likes of Paul Mullin, Ollie Palmer and Jordan Davies, Tozer’s trademark long throw has caused defences problems all season.
More than 10 goals this season have come Tozer’s throw, and during the co-chairmen’s first visit, he took some time to teach Rob McElhenney and Humphrey Ker how to do it.
Speaking on the visit, he said: “It was nice and refreshing, it’s something different and takes you away from your day-to-day job.
“There was a bit of reward there because Rob’s throw did improve from the start to the end, not that he’s ever going to use it!
“It was just good to meet them as people rather than the person you see on the telly.
“I remember neither of them [Rob and Humphrey] could finish it; I remember throwing the ball into them both, and neither of them could score! ”
It’s been an incredible season to date, and our final home league game of the season takes place on Sunday, live on BT Sport against Stockport County.
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