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Southern United may be at the wrong end of the table but the boss of the club still believes it has made massive progress.

However, one of Dunedin's leading football coaches has criticised the club and wonders what it is doing for local footballers.

Southern United will complete its first round of the National Premiership when it takes on Tasman United at Mosgiel on Saturday.

The Southern United side has played eight games, with just a draw with Waitakere for its efforts.

It has lost its other seven games to sit bottom of the table.

Football South chief executive Chris Wright said he naturally wanted to get better results but had to look at the bigger picture

''What we have achieved across the club is pretty massive. We have taken over four teams and put a coaching structure in place and brought an increased level of intensity to the training,'' Wright said.

''Apart from the game against Canterbury [the side lost 3-1 at Forsyth Barr Stadium], we have been competitive in every match. We held Auckland City until the 83rd minute. We're creating chances.

''We know it is a league where it is all results. But the guys are really trying hard. I know they are working really hard at training. You talk to them ... they're enjoying training. Paul [coach Paul O'Reilly] has set up a really professional environment.''

Football South took over the Southern United team in May as the club struggled to stay afloat under an independent board. It then included the women's team, youth team and futsal team under the Southern United umbrella.

The reality is a lot of success comes down to resources - money.

Wright said Southern United had the smallest budget of the 10 teams and players were not paid.

''We will pay their expenses, such as paying for their parking at the airport but we can't match what other teams are paying.''

Clubs in the North Island have deep pockets - new club Eastern Suburbs is believed to have a player budget of more than $1 million.

Southern United had imported six Irish players and they were working in roles with Football South. Most other teams had more imports.

Wright said the Irish players had performed very well and were helping to raise the standard of all the players.

''The guys are putting in a lot of effort. They are training hard four to five times a week. You talk to any of them and they are enjoying it. The signs are promising and we hope the first win is not far away.''

But former Otago United coach Malcolm Fleming questioned whether having six Irishmen in the team was benefiting southern football.

''From what I understand they are training well. Paul has set up a good environment but it comes back to results,'' Fleming said.

''They've scored four goals all season. Two from open play, one an own goal and the other a penalty. You've got to wonder about the Irishmen.

''The season's gone now so you wonder why not get rid of them [Irish players] and put a few kids in there.

''They talk about the clubs up north having massive budgets. But they haven't got guys walking into the club and just handing over $10,000. You've got to get out and find it.''

Many talented players came through in the South but moved away to seek employment, which did not help.

''I don't understand what they are doing playing out at Peter Johnstone Park. It's a rugby ground. There's no club atmosphere, no fanfare.''

Fleming said playing at Forsyth Barr Stadium or Peter Johnstone Park suited the opposing teams.