Ben Foster and Ben Tozer return to Wrexham as surprise club announcement made

Wrexham have announced two of their most influential players in their recent history have returned to the club in a new capacity.

After securing a historic third successive promotion last season, Phil Parkinson's men are preparing for a first campaign in the second tier since 1981/82.

The Red Dragons are expected to be extremely busy in the transfer market and have already wrapped up two signings, with Danny Ward returning to the club 13 years after leaving for Liverpool and Ryan Hardie signing from Plymouth Argyle.

But Wrexham have also brought Ben Foster and Ben Tozer back into the fold, though not as playing staff.

Both stars were integral in the National League title win in 2023, with vice-captain Tozer playing 52 times and goalkeeper Foster coming out of retirement to help Wrexham get over the line thanks to a stunning last-gasp penalty save against Notts County.

Tozer announced his retirement from football on Foster's podcast in May but the duo are linking up for Wrexham once again as part of their upcoming pre-season tour of Australia and New Zealand.

Wrexham take on Melbourne Victory, Sydney FC and Wellington Phoenix 'Down Under' and the club have just confirmed that Foster and Tozer will be present at a number of the club's 'exclusive Soccer Camps'.

The sessions, available to boys and girls aged 5–14, will be delivered by coaches from Wrexham's foundation but Foster and Tozer will be on hand to pass on their expertise in Melbourne and Sydney.

On his return, Foster told Wrexham's official website: “I’m looking forward to heading out to Australia, it’s the type of trip people only get to do once in their lifetime so I’m really looking forward to it.

“We want to share how this really special football club likes to do things; we take our football seriously, but we like to do it with a smile on our face.”

Tozer added: “I’m really excited for the opportunity to travel as part of the Town Down Under Tour with this amazing Club, helping to assist with Wrexham AFC Soccer Camps.”

Ryan Reynolds' unique proposal was rejected by Wrexham boss

Wrexham will play three games 'Down Under' during a tour which will strengthen their global appeal, but co-owner Ryan Reynolds had the idea for a fourth game against Auckland FC, who were only established in 2024 and won the A-League Premiership in their first season.

But while a first meeting would have been an appealing fixture, Parkinson was not in favour at all.

“I really wanted us to play Auckland FC, which is a new team, and they finished first in their first year,” Reynolds said on the Men in Blazers podcast.

“I just liked the idea of the third-oldest football club playing one of the newest, but Phil was like ‘absolutely not, we’re getting these players back to Wales ASAP after Wellington’."

Wrexham kick off their new season in the Championship against relegated Southampton on 9 August.