There has been little joy for Otago fans in the five years of the NZFC. The sickening statistic of only six wins from the last 56 games highlights Otago's dismal record of survival football in recent years.
Otago has propped up the foot of the competition most years. Bottom in 2006, second-bottom in 2009, 2008, 2007; only in 2005 did it achieve a respectable placing - fifth.
Had there been a relegation/promotion system operating in the NZFC, Otago would clearly have been given the chop years ago and been forced to change the men in charge.
The moment of truth has now arrived for Otago chairman Dave Lamont and the United board, who must now be planning for next year with regard to the coaching staff and players.
Coach Terry Phelan claims to have a contract until 2010, and he may well continue coaching in some capacity, between visits to the UK to improve his coaching qualifications and sojourns in the US where he has a coaching school.
Whether any other coaches are interested in taking over at United is a moot point, since there was a paucity of applicants last time the job was advertised.
However, at a United management board meeting on Tuesday, it was decided that any coaching decisions or appointments would be initiated only after Football New Zealand confirms the future of national league.
Otago's preference for future NZFC competitions would be a continuation of the present 14-round format, which came about last season after finance problems reduced the original 21-round competition which had been in place since 2004.
Otago chairman Dave Lamont said: "We can hardly make changes to personnel when we do not know if the NZFC continues in its present format, or returns to the 21-round competition, or indeed if a totally new format takes over."
Football NZ has a survey out among participating NZFC clubs trying to get feedback, especially regarding financials, estimated at $300,000 for Otago this season.
Otago's management team and coaches also expressed disappointment that the winter league, which starts in April, has opted not to progress towards a South Island league.
This year there will be just one play-off match against the winner of the Mainland League to decide the South Island Championship, which was won by Caversham last season, after a four team play-off.
Without regular matches against Canterbury sides and Nelson, the gap in quality that exists from Southern Premier League to the NZFC is just too big.
Players will always struggle to make the step up to NZFC, where the short 14-round competition does not give time to improve in the competition itself.
Otago needs to lift the standard in the winter league by increasing matches and contact with Mainland sides; have players better prepared for when the NZFC starts; and have a coaching staff that can inspire an improvement in the team's pitiful record of recent years.
• The facts - Otago United
Played 14, won two, drew 2, lost 10, goals for 16, goals against 32
Leading scorers: Aaron Burgess 5, Stu Kelly 3, Tom Jackson 2, Robbie Deeley 2, David Dugdale 2, Colin Falvey 1, Barry Gardiner 1.
