The Case For The Defence

As the January transfer window approaches and Wycombe fans begin to worry about losing key players from the squad which has started the season so well, let's take a detailed look at the area of central defence.

It's often said that Wycombe have plenty of good central defenders, but just how important is Mike Williamson whose contract expires next summer.

There have been three main central defensive partnerships so far this season. The following stats show how players have performed both in pairs and as individuals when playing in the centre of defence.



Central Defensive Partnerships

Williamson & Johnson
Games Played - 10.5
Clean Sheets - 6.5
Goals Conceded - 4
Goals Conceded per Game - 0.38

Williamson & McCracken
Games Played - 8.5
Clean Sheets - 4
Goals Conceded - 8
Goals Conceded per Game - 0.94

McCracken & Johnson
Games Played - 3
Clean Sheets - 1
Goals Conceded - 9
Goals Conceded per Game - 3

Antwi & Johnson
Games Played - 1
Clean Sheets - 0
Goals Conceded - 4
Goals Conceded per Game - 4


Individual Records at Centre Back

Williamson
Games Played - 19
Clean Sheets - 10
Goals Scored - 3
Goals Conceded - 12
Goals Conceded per Game - 0.63

Johnson
Games Played - 14.5
Clean Sheets - 7.5
Goals Scored - 2
Goals Conceded - 17
Goals Conceded per Game - 1.17

McCracken
Games Played - 11.5
Clean Sheets - 5
Goals Scored - 0
Goals Conceded - 17
Goals Conceded per Game - 1.48


The above stats tend to suggest that cashing in on Mike Williamson next month could have a profound effect on the club's promotion chances.

Williamson's sale for short term gain would also seem counter-productive given the Wycombe board's stated intention of progressing through the leagues and attracting enough support to warrant moving to a new stadium. (see 5 year plan).

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.