PhD Studentship St Mary's University & Wycombe Wanderers FC.

St Mary's University & Wycombe Wanderers FC.

• St Mary's University,, Waldegrave Road, Strawberry Hill, Twickenham, TW1 4SX.

A three-year fully funded and full-time PhD studentship at St Mary's University in London in partnership with Wycombe Wanderers FC. The successful student will be based at the training ground of Wycombe Wanderers FC whilst completing a PhD through St Mary's University. The PhD research will assess key factors in team ball possession maintenance and losses in English professional soccer.

About the Research

A central component of professional soccer team match tactics and strategies is how they perform when they have possession of the ball. A few strategies have been outlined previously for this key part of matchplay, including the short passing possession style and the fast break from defence counter‑attacking style. Whichever strategy is employed, one of the main aims is that the opponents do not regain possession of the ball prior to the team moving the ball towards and having an attempt to score a goal. Given the vast amount of data collected on professional soccer match and training performance by clubs and researchers, it is perhaps surprising that no detail exists on some of the key factors that lead to possession being maintained or lost. Knowledge of key factors that lead to and constitute ball possession maintenance and loss can help professional teams better maintain possession of the ball and create more goal scoring opportunities, increasing the chances of winning matches, leagues, promotions, and tournaments.

The aim of this research is to assess key factors in team ball possession maintenance and losses in English professional soccer with a view to reducing these losses and improving match performance. The student will work between St Mary’s University and Wycombe Wanderers FC where they will be embedded to conduct PhD research on this topic. The PhD studentship will be fully funded for three-years. They will use performance analysis techniques to conduct three research studies on the topic, including collecting and analysing video and GPS, as well as using descriptive and inferential statistics. Exact study design details will be developed with the candidate, Wycombe Wanderers FC and the supervisory team.

Candidates are normally expected to hold both an undergraduate degree and a master's degree in a subject relevant to the proposed programme of research. Applicants who do not meet the standard entry requirements may still be considered where they possess appropriate professional or other qualifications.

The studentship is available to applicants with UK Home fee status only. Successful candidates will be expected to commence their studies in February 2027.

The studentship will cover Home tuition fees and provide a full-time doctoral stipend for three years. The stipend for 2026/27 is £21,805 and is expected to increase in subsequent years, although future rates have not yet been confirmed.