So how important is having the best defense (goals conceded) in the League? I did a little research. Over the last ten seasons, the team with the best defense was promoted nine times, five times as the top team, once as second place, three times as third-place. The one exception was Southend last year, who came fifth and were knocked out in the playoffs.
In contrast, the team with the best offense (goals scored) was promoted just six times. Three times the team with the best offense did not even make the playoffs. The one time the team with the best offense made the playoffs (MK Dons 06-07 came fourth), they lost in the playoffs.
So, as the old saying goes, Good offense wins games, good defence wins Championships.
Incidentally, when we were promoted in 2001-2, we had the best defense but the fifth best offense.
:scarf: