BEN TOZER is confident his long-throw will still be an effective weapon despite a big rule change when Wrexham begin life back in the Football League.

Phil Parkinson’s men clinched the National League title following a record-breaking 2022-23 campaign and will kick-off the new League Two season on August 5.

However, the EFL has announced towels for drying balls before throw-ins, to give players a better grip and chance to launch the ball even further, will be outlawed next term. The rule will also prevent players from using items offered up by fans.

In a bid to speed up play, the EFL will follow the Premier League’s example of a multi-ball system in its competitions.

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.

“The EFL will introduce a multi-ball 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.”

Club captain Tozer, who has not missed a league game since he joined Wrexham from Cheltenham Town in August 2021, says he will cope and still believes his throw-ins will be a threat.

“When I first heard about it, I thought that was my career over! They are trying to ruin my career!” joked Tozer.

“When the ball is wet or when it is raining, that is when it is tougher.

“Having a towel is part of home advantage but sometimes you don’t need a towel.

“We will get by, that’s all you can do.”

The EFL want the ball in play for longer but Tozer says he has never treated throw-ins as an opportunity to time-waste, something opponents do when they visit The Racecourse where Wrexham were unbeaten last season.

“We don’t really do it but some teams take the mickey with time-wasting with the towel,” said Tozer. “You find that when some teams come to us, they take ages.”