Is this the END of Wrexham’s secret weapon as EFL ban towels before throws

Is this the end of Wrexham’s secret weapon? Long throw specialist Ben Tozer faces a problem in League Two after the EFL announce BAN on drying balls with a towel before throw ins

  • Players will not be allowed to use towels to dry balls before throw-ins in 2023-24
  • Fans have quickly noted this could prove a problem for Wrexham’s Ben Tozer
  • Long throw specialists across the division will have to now use their shirts 

Wrexham captain Ben Tozer will need to change his long-throw routine after the EFL announced towels for drying balls before throw-ins will be outlawed next season. 

Tozer’s long throw has been an incredibly effective weapon for Wrexham and played a role in helping them win promotion back to the Football League after 15 years. 

Supporters, particlarly at away games, have been keen to offer up jackets and towels from home to the Wrexham centre back before throws, but that option will be taken away in League Two for 2023-24.

On Thursday the EFL confirmed: ‘Clubs will no longer be permitted to use towels or other articles, including items obtained from spectators to dry footballs during matches.’ 

Players have long been using their shirts to dry the ball, giving them a better grip and the chance to further launch it into the penalty area. 

Tozer's throw has been an effective weapon for Wrexham

Ben Tozer will no longer be able to use towels (left) to dry balls before taking a throw-in, after the EFL confirmed the practice will be banned across its divisions for the 2023-24 season

Tozer will, undoubtedly, stick with his thunderous throw but the ban on use of towels presents problems in rainy or drizzly conditions.

The use of towels has proven a contentious debate in the lower leagues, with a lack of consistency as to who has towels to hand.

It is understood that the proposal to ban the use of towels – claimed to be an effort to speed up play of the game – was unanimously backed by the 72 clubs in the Football League. 

The Times added that the Premier League has ‘no plans’ to follow the EFL’s lead with a towel ban.

Back in 2011 Stoke City brought the use of towels into disrepute when the league intervened.

Tozer's throw was effective in helping Wrexham seal promotion from the National League

Tozer’s throw was effective in helping Wrexham seal promotion from the National League

Defender Ryan Shotton added a red towelling vest under his shirt to dry balls before throw-ins – but EFL players will have to come up with ways to get purchase without resorting to towel vests.  

Meanwhile, the EFL also confirmed they are introducing a multiball system in all its competitions for the 2023-24 season. 

Match balls will be placed on cones in designated areas at pitch side to help increase the time of the ball being in play.

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