Ben Tozer, a former captain of Wrexham, has shared his fond memories of playing in the FA Cup. The 36-year-old defender enjoys the competition and has a commendable history in it, particularly during his time at The Racecourse.
Career Highlights and FA Cup Passion
Tozer made his debut in the FA Cup with Swindon Town nearly two decades ago. Throughout his career, he has played for several clubs and has amassed significant FA Cup experience. He holds the record for participating in 14 FA Cup matches during Phil Parkinson’s management at Wrexham.
- Tozer’s FA Cup record: 14 matches for Wrexham
- Paul Mullin trails with 13 matches
- Debuted in the FA Cup with Swindon Town against Wycombe
Reflecting on his numerous matches, Tozer estimates that he has played over 40 FA Cup games in total. He prefers home matches in cup draws, believing it offers a better chance of progressing through the rounds.
Memorable FA Cup Matches
Among his memorable experiences, Tozer recalls significant cup ties against renowned teams. He faced Tottenham while at Newport County and Manchester City during his time with Cheltenham Town. One of the standout moments was Wrexham’s shocking victory over Coventry City, a Championship team, in the 2022-23 FA Cup third round, where Wrexham won 4-3.
Following that match, Wrexham faced Sheffield United, where they drew 3-3 before losing 3-1 in a replay. Tozer highlighted the electric atmosphere at The Racecourse during the initial encounter, emphasizing that it was the loudest he had ever heard the stadium.
Upcoming Match Against Chelsea
Wrexham has reached the fifth round of the FA Cup for the first time under Parkinson’s leadership. Their next challenge is against Premier League giants Chelsea at The Racecourse.
- Previous round victory: 1-0 against Ipswich Town
- Next opponent: Chelsea, Saturday
Tozer expresses hope for another upset against a top-flight team, stating that the fans elevate their support during FA Cup matches, as seen in their previous game against Nottingham Forest.
Punditry and Fan Expectations
Tozer has recently worked as a TV pundit during Wrexham matches. His latest experience was noteworthy as it marked the first victory while he was on air. He humorously noted that comments from fans regarding his on-screen role were a source of pressure. Now that Wrexham has finally secured a win while he was commentating, he feels relieved.
Overall, Ben Tozer’s passion for the FA Cup is clear. With enthusiasm for future matches, especially the encounter with Chelsea, he remains an optimistic figure in Wrexham’s ongoing journey in the tournament.
