WREXHAM AFC have confirmed the signing of defender Ben Tozer for an undisclosed fee from Cheltenham Town.

The centre-back has signed a three-year deal at the Racecourse Ground, and will join the squad in training ahead of tomorrow’s match at Eastleigh.

 

Tozer, 31, was an ever-present in Cheltenham’s League Two-winning defence last season, being named in the PFA League Two Team of the Year for the second consecutive time.

He was also named Cheltenham’s Players’ Player of the Year and Supporters’ Player of the Year for his performances last season.

And on signing for Wrexham, he said: “It’s really exciting to see the potential of the Club, and the project going on and ever since the Club was mentioned to me, that’s something that’s driven me on to want to get this deal finalised.

“I’m relieved to have got it signed. The last few days have been stressful, and I just didn’t know which way it would go, but now it’s signed I’m relieved and looking forward to getting started.”

Plymouth-born Tozer was a youth player at his home town team but moved to Swindon Town where he made his professional debut.

He moved to Newcastle United in January 2008, spending four seasons in the North East before signing for Northampton Town after a successful loan spell.

After 199 appearances in all competitions for the Cobblers, he moved to Yeovil and then Newport County before spending the last three seasons with Cheltenham Town.

A tall defender with the ability to deliver long throw-ins, Tozer captained Cheltenham to promotion last season and Phil Parkinson said it was his experience that made him so keen to sign him.

Parkinson said: “I’m delighted with the signing of Ben Tozer. He’s a very experienced player, and he’s been part of a very successful promotion-winning team last season.

“He’s not only a good player, but he’s got real leadership qualities as well.”

Executive director Humphrey Ker said of the signing: “Ben’s qualities, both on and off the pitch, are those that any football club desires in their players and when the opportunity to sign him presented itself, the board made his signature our top priority.

“We are delighted to welcome him to the Racecourse and can’t wait to see him in a Wrexham shirt.”