Otago United, under second-year coach Richard Murray, heads into another national league campaign tomorrow. Football writer Rab Smith reports.
Richard Murray takes Otago United up over the parapet to a new level this season.
United's ASB Premiership campaign begins at noon tomorrow with a game against Manawatu at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
"It's always `over the top' for Otago when we face northern opposition with more players, more funding and more options to prepare against top opposition, and who consequently tend to be in a better state of readiness for top football," Murray said.
"Having said that, our preparation this year is probably better than it has been for a few seasons.
"We had a good testing match against Canterbury in Timaru a few weeks back, and our large squad has provided a good mix at training.
"Ideally, we would like to have started serious training earlier, but some clubs preferred their players to have a break after the rigours of winter competitions."
The United players have been working on improving their explosive power, and plyometric sessions run by Neil Mackenzie and physiotherapist Dusty Quinn have been well attended.
Ballwork sessions were also going well, Murray said.
"We aim to improve ball-retention, which is critical at national league level. Without the ability to keep the ball, competing at top level becomes almost impossible."
To that end, Murray and assistant Andy Duncan have worked the squad hard in small-sided games and tight situations to generate good touch and ball speed.
But the acid test is to maintain those skills in match situations, and still be able to get heads up and play penetrating passes.
Goalkeeping coach Tony Boomer has also had his charges leaping round, and in Liam Little and Peter Evans there is plenty of experience that will hopefully rub off on to the youth team keepers.
At the sharp end, United has welcomed back veteran striker Aaron Burgess, whose winter form has been exceptional. Whether his regular Golden Boot winning prowess will continue in national league, only time will tell. But few defenders can be happy facing a striker who once scored five goals in a single national league match, and who still has a 24-carat gleam in his eye with a senior career record of 197 goals.
Ant Hancock will be Burgess' partner in crime, hoping to create a smash and grab partnership and steal a few goals. Oamaru's stocky striker holds the ball up well, and is well known for coming in below the defence's radar to pinch possession.
Lurking in support is the pace of James Govan. Still learning his trade, Govan's best form is capable of earning a starting slot.
Six or seven quality defenders give Murray more depth than in previous years, but it is an abrasive business at the back, and reserve cover is vital.
Left fullback Tristan Prattley is likely to captain the side, and his pedigree is unquestionable. How the elegant defender missed out on a place in New Zealand's Olympic squad was hard to fathom.
The core central defenders could include Matt Joy, Jude Fitzpatrick, Tim Horner and Jake Morrison, with good flank cover from Tom Connor and Craig Ferguson The experienced Morrison, originally from Los Angeles, travelled from Auckland to trial for United and looks a composed defender who can play anywhere in the backline.
It is good to see Horner back, too. The classy utility has had injury problems, but is now regaining match fitness.
Fullbacks Ferguson and Connor have pace and an attacking attitude that should open up opposing defences, but both realise the importance of steady defence.
Ferguson is unavailable this week as he is suspended due to his yellow card total last season.
As do many teams these days, Murray has a crowded midfield full of options, and how they are deployed may dictate the team's progress this season.
Whether midfield is a springboard for attack or a sponge to absorb the opposition will be very important, and naturally Murray would prefer both strategies to apply.
Victor Da Costa has shown in pre-season a Gallic flair and box-to-box energy that could earn him a starting slot.
The Frenchman is an interesting mix of fun and intensity which will brighten the dressing room.
Smooth-cheeked Morgan Day is now almost a veteran after four years in and out of national league. His best winter form puts him well into contention, and several headed goals for Mosgiel have shown a brave attacking quality.
Another Mosgielite, Regan Coldicott, has pace and finishing power. From wide on the left he has already shown sharp attacking potential, as has Joel Stevens, whose undoubted quality has already been recognised in trials in the US.
More lightning pace exists in Seamus Ryder, who captained Caversham and has still not reached his full potential. He will have Aajay Cunningham applying pressure for a starting place, with more pressure from Roslyn captain Sam Mepham and Southlander Andrew Ridden.
Australian Scott Gannon suffered a nasty fracture near the end of the winter season, but is now running freely.
Gannon is an exceptional technician and his early passing could be the key to opening northern defences.
There is also the possibility players from the youth side could break through, since at least two youngsters have to be on the team card for each match. Tony Martin and Jim Letts are coaching what looks like a keen squad, bursting with energy despite the youth league not starting until January.
Murray is impressed with the overall keenness being shown.
"We have been working hard at training, including midweek gym work, plus sessions on diet and the mental approach to sport.
"We want to be as fit as possible, since we are always behind the 8-ball regarding pre-season games.
"Another factor is that almost all the squad are local lads, who are hungry for success and who I know will play for the shirt. This is their chance to perform on the big stage and they will grab the opportunity."
Otago United
2013 squad
• Goalkeepers: Liam Little, Peter Evans.
• Defenders: Jake Morrison, Tristan Prattley (captain), Jude Fitzpatrick, Matt Joy, Tim Horner, Craig Ferguson, Tom Connor, Geordie Mansford, Ross Howard.
• Midfielders: Morgan Day, Regan Coldicott, Seamus Ryder, Victor Da Costa, Sam Mepham, Aajay Cunningham, Regan Coldicott, Scott Gannon, Andrew Ridden, Jackson Mitchell.
• Forwards: Ant Hancock, Aaron Burgess, James Govan, Joel Stevens.
• Staff: Coach, Richard Murray; Assistant coach, Andrew Duncan; Goalkeeping coach, Tony Boomer; Physio, Dusty Quinn.
