The battling club managed just one win in the ASB Premiership over the summer and will be hoping the appointment of Paul O'Reilly as head coach will helped turn its fortunes.
O'Reilly's thick Dublin accent is a dead giveaway - he is from the Emerald Isle.
He moved to New Zealand with his family - partner Sarah Lyons and daughter Rosa O'Reilly (8 months) - earlier this year, initially to Auckland but they were eager to move on.
He accepted a role in Timaru as a development officer for Football South.
But with his qualifications, it was just a matter of time before he was promoted and he will replace Mike Fridge, who finished up at the end of the season after guiding the side to just one win from 14 games.
O'Reilly led the Institute of Technology Carlow team which won four successive Football Association of Ireland Umbro Cup college titles (2011-14) and competed in two World University Championships.
His role also included leading an elite player development programme and he holds a Union of European Football Associations (Uefa) "A'' coaching licence, and is a coach education tutor to Uefa "B'' level.
He is aware Southern United has been struggling to compete and wants to start by challenging the culture.
"It has almost been accepted that they are going to struggle and that they are going to be bottom,'' he said.
"So I'm trying to challenge that culture and I really think we can push ourselves up the ladder and finish outside of those bottom two places.
"I want people coming down to Dunedin thinking this is going to be an absolute nightmare to get away from here with a couple of [competition] points.
"The other thing which is going to be crucial is we don't have a big budget for players, so we really have to get the best talent in Dunedin playing for the team because that is one of the things which hasn't happened as well.''
The 34-year-old, who represented Ireland at age-group level, has also been appointed as Otago football development officer and, in the winter, will focus on development.
He will work with the region's clubs, coaches and players in a bid to strengthen ties and build strength.
In summer, his attention will switch to coaching Southern United and the senior men's national league team, as well as supporting the coaching personnel for the national women's and youth league teams.
"We're delighted that Paul is taking on this new role,'' Football South chief executive Chris Wright said.
"He's got a track record of success at a high level, great experience and brings a fresh approach to the region and Southern United.''
Football South took over the national league licence for Southern United in May after consultation with its members and with New Zealand Football.
"Although it was a tough decision, it's the right thing to do and we're excited what the coming season holds,'' Wright said.
"We want to see a great culture, a team that feel free to express themselves and a team that is capable of winning consistently.
"We're confident that Paul, with the support from Southern United players, staff and volunteers, and the wider football community can achieve this.''
O'Reilly will take up his new role on July 4.
