Outgoing coach Steve Martin hopes his work over the past four years will see Otago rugby in good heart over the next few seasons.
He has been in the job since replacing Wayne Graham in something of a surprise elevation in late 2005.
While Martin has had to deal with high player turnover and a lack of experience, Otago's provincial competition results have steadily worsened during his watch.
Otago was a semifinalist in Martin's first year, 2006, but then had finishes of seventh, 10th and ninth, making it unlikely he would be re-appointed even if he was interested.
When asked to look back at this year, Martin said he could sum it up in one word: "frustration".
"We've had a year of being so close in so many games," he said after Saturday's 22-19 win against Counties-Manukau at Carisbrook.
"I think we had five or six games where we were within seven points. If we had managed to win a couple of those and kicked on from there then we would have been challenging for the semifinals.
"But the facts are we didn't. We have a team which is still learning how to win. And that takes time."
He said learning to win came from having an absolute belief in each other, huge desire and knowing what to do in key parts of the game.
Martin has been involved with the Highlanders for the past couple of seasons, and was the defence coach for the side this year.
He said financial constraints were putting that position in doubt for next season.
The New Zealand Rugby Union funds two coaching positions for the Highlanders, head coach Glenn Moore and assistant Peter Russell, while the Highlanders pay for Martin's role.
Martin said he hoped to continue in the position because he enjoyed it and he felt he had done well at the franchise.
He said a highlight for Otago this season had been producing two All Blacks in Ben Smith and Tom Donnelly, while Adam Thomson had become an All Black last season.
