Valuable time was used up before appointing new coach Richard Murray, who immediately recruited assistant Andy Duncan and manager Matt Scoles.
Money problems have plagued United, and without sufficient funds, the team will be totally based in Dunedin this year, and no Christchurch contingent will travel south as it did last year.
"It's an act of faith, really," said Murray, who coaches Caversham in winter, and has been one of a group of coaches active in young player development, such as the under-15 trips to Singapore, Milk Cup, national youth league and now the ASB Premiership, with its required five youth players.
"Now the carrot is there for Otago youngsters to aim at top football, and if we can get the attitude and fitness right, we will be competitive."
Otago does have quality experience in Caversham's Darren Overton, Mosgiel's Morgan Day and Roslyn's Mike Cunningham, who will probably be at the hub of Murray's midfield.
There is also an ambitious trio, willing to challenge for midfield slots.
Harley Rodeka, Sam Mepham, and Seamus Ryder have pace to burn and the energy for box-to-box forays.
At the sharp end, Caversham's Ant Hancock, James Govan and Donnie MacGregor seem leading contenders to try to improve Otago's strike rate, which last year was the lowest in the league with 15 goals.
McGregor has experience of playing in Scandinavia and Australia.
He looked useful at training, but is recovering from a groin injury, and Murray will make a late decision as to the striker's inclusion.
Tristan Prattley is now regarded as a seasoned defender, with Tom Connor also bedded in, and there is strong competition for the rest of the backline with newcomers Jude Fitzpatrick, Craig Ferguson, Zac Rathbone and Matt Joy battling at training for starting positions.
The late signing of keeper Peter Evans also means healthy competition for Callum Flaws, and bright-eyed academy youngsters Joel Stevens and Jackson Mitchell will travel with Murray's squad to Wellington.
Wellington dished out Otago's heaviest defeat last season, scoring five without reply, and has recently added several youth internationals to its strong squad, under new coach Matt Calcott.
Former Caversham player Patrick Fleming is in Wellington's squad.
Wellington has just announced the signing of Junior All White James Musa, the latest of six youth internationals to sign with the capital side, following in the footsteps of Nick Branch, Ethan Galbraith, Ryan Cain, Liam Higgins and Scott Basalaj.
Dakota Lucas, last season's final MVP, is also listed in the squad but is awaiting clearance from Waitakere United.
Murray recognises the quality and depth of Wellington's squad.
"But they can only put 11 players on the park, and if we get a steady start, I am sure that we can give them a game."
Otago Utd v Wellington
Wellington, tomorrow, 2.30pm
Otago: Callum Flaws, Zac Rathbone, Jude Fitzpatrick, Tom Connor, Matt Joy, Tristan Prattley, Craig Ferguson, Mike Cunningham, Darren Overton, Seamus Ryder, Harley Rodeka, Sam Mepham, Morgan Day, Ant Hancock, Donnie McGregor, Matt Brook, Andrew Ridden, Nick Hindson, Jackson Mitchell, Joel Stevens.
Wellington: Phil Imray, Patrick Fleming, Jamie Duncan, Michael Eagar, Nick Branch, Darren Cheriton, Jack Hobson-McVeigh, Michael White, Dakota Lucas, Wiremu Patrick, Ethan Galbraith, Karl Whalen, Tim Schaeffers, Sam Mason-Smith, George Barbarouses, Ryan Cain, Michael Fiifi.
