Is this the end of Wrexham’s secret weapon? Long throwing specialist Ben Tozer is in trouble in League Two after the Football Association announced a ban on drying balls with a towel before bowling.
- Players will not be allowed to use towels to dry balls prior to pitching in 2023-24
- Fans quickly noticed that this could prove problematic for Wrexham’s Ben Tozer
- Long throw specialists throughout the division will now have to use their jerseys
Wrexham captain Ben Tozer will need to change up his long throw-in routine after the Football Association announced towels for drying balls before the throw-in is banned next season.
Tozer’s long throw was an incredibly effective weapon for Wrexham and played a part in helping them return to the Football League after 15 years.
Fans, particularly at away matches, were keen to offer home jackets and towels to the Wrexham centre-back before throws, but that option will be ruled out in League Two for 2023-24.
The FA confirmed on Thursday: “Clubs will no longer be allowed to use towels or other items, including items obtained from spectators, to dry footballs during matches.”
Players have always used their shirts to dry the ball, which gives them a better grip and a chance to launch it further into the penalty area.
Ben Tozer will no longer be able to use towels (left) to dry balls before a throw-in, after the Football League confirmed the practice would be banned across its divisions for the 2023-24 season.
Tozeur will no doubt stick to his thunderous throw, but the towel ban presents problems in rainy or rainy conditions.
Towel usage has proven to be a contentious controversy in lower leagues, with inconsistency regarding who has towels on hand.
It is understood that the motion to ban the use of towels – allegedly an attempt to speed up play – was unanimously supported by 72 Football League clubs.
The Times added that the Premier League had “no plans” to follow the Premier League’s lead with the towel ban.
Back in 2011, Stoke City caused towel notoriety when they stepped into the league.
Tozer’s throw was instrumental in helping Wrexham gain promotion from the National League
Defender Ryan Shotton has added a red jacket under his shirt to dry off balls before throwing the ball – but Premier League players will have to find ways to buy without resorting to towel vests.
Meanwhile, UEFA has also confirmed that it is introducing a multi-ball system across all of its competitions for the 2023-24 season.
Match balls will be placed on cones in designated areas on the side of the court to help increase the ball’s playing time.
