Ex-Wrexham and Newport defender Tozer retires

Centre-back Ben Tozer's final goal in professional football came in Wrexham's 2-0 win against Gillingham in November 2023

Former Wrexham and Newport County defender Ben Tozer has announced his retirement from football.

Having helped Cheltenham Town win League Two in 2020-21, centre-back Tozer was a pivotal figure as Wrexham gained back-to-back promotions in 2023 and 2024.

The 35-year-old - who also had stints with Swindon Town, Newcastle United, Northampton Town, Colchester United and Yeovil Town - ended his career with Forest Green Rovers.

"Yeah, retiring, hanging my boots up, whatever you want to call it," he told The Football Fill-In.

"I think you know when you know. If you're honest with yourself, that's when you've got to look at yourself and think 'it's too much to go again'. I'm just ready to finish."

Plymouth-born Tozer made his senior debut with Swindon in 2007 before joining Newcastle a year later.

He made two first-team appearances for the Magpies before joining Northampton permanently in 2011 following two loan stints with the Cobblers.

Following a brief loan spell with Colchester, Tozer made the switch to Yeovil for the 2015-16 season before spending two campaigns at Newport.

He featured 76 times for the Exiles, scoring four goals, before leaving Rodney Parade for Cheltenham in 2018.

Tozer captained the Robins and played every minute of every league game as they won the 2020-21 League Two title.

He became a real favourite in north Wales as he made 136 appearances for Wrexham, scoring seven goals and helping them secure two of their three promotions under Phil Parkinson.

Tozer's final season in football saw him make 34 appearances in all competitions for Forest Green Rovers last season - with Tozer being captain in just under half of those.

"I've enjoyed a lot of it, it's been hard as well," Tozer added.

"I've loved it. Especially the memories that I've made, what I've managed to achieve. I'm happy, I'm proud of myself."

Wrexham wrote on X: "A fantastic career and wishing you the very best in your retirement."