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 announced BAN on towel-drying before throw-ins
- Players are not allowed to use towels to dry balls before the throw-in in 2023/24
- Fans have been quick to notice that this could be a problem for Wrexham’s Ben Tozer
- Long throw specialists across the division will now have to use their shirts
Wrexham captain Ben Tozer will have to change his long throw routine after the EFL announced ball-drying towels before throw-ins are banned next season.
Tozer’s long throw has been an incredibly effective weapon for Wrexham and was instrumental in winning back promotion to the Football League after 15 years.
Supporters, particularly away games, have been keen to offer coats and towels from home to the Wrexham centre-back before throws, but that option is being taken away in League Two for 2023-24.
On Thursday, the EFL confirmed: ‘Clubs will no longer be allowed to use towels or other items, including items given to them by spectators to dry footballs during matches.’
Players have long used their shirts to dry the ball, giving them a better grip and the chance to launch the ball further into the penalty area.
Ben Tozer will no longer be able to use towels (left) to dry balls before taking a throw-in after the EFL confirms the practice will be banned in all divisions for the 2023-24 season
No doubt Tozer will stick to his thunderous throw, but the ban on the use of towels poses problems in rainy or drizzly conditions.
The use of towels has proven to be a contentious debate in the lower leagues, with a lack of consistency over who has towels on hand.
The proposal to ban the use of towels – which is said to be an attempt to speed up the game – was unanimously supported by the 72 clubs in the Football League.
The times added that the Premier League has ‘no plans’ to follow the EFL’s example with a towel ban.
In 2011, Stoke City discredited the use of towels when the league intervened.
Tozer’s throw was effective in helping Wrexham to promotion from the National League
Defenseman Ryan Shotton added a red terry vest under his shirt to dry balls before throw-ins – but EFL players will have to figure out ways to make purchases without resorting to towel vests.
Meanwhile, the EFL has also confirmed that they are introducing a multiball system in all its competitions for the 2023-24 season.
Game balls are placed on cones in designated areas at the side of the field to extend the time the ball is in play.