The team has brought in five players from Ireland, as it looks to increase the depth of football talent in the region.
Eric Molloy (23), Andy Mulligan (23), Stephen Last (24), Conor O’Keeffe (24) and Danny Ledwith (25) have taken up contracts with the club and will also be used in coaching and development roles around the region. New coach Paul O’Reilly, originally from Ireland, had worked with all five in the past and was confident of their quality.
"In terms of what we’re trying to develop, the right thing to do was to bring in players that are known qualities. We’re not in a position to take a gamble," O’Reilly said.
The players arrived on Tuesday and had trained once with the team.
They liked what they had seen and hoped to be able to help the team become more competitive.
Last and O’Keeffe would be based in South Canterbury working in football development roles.
Ledwith would have a similar role in Otago, while Molloy and Mulligan would be used in strength and conditioning roles in Dunedin.
The group had plenty of experience playing top league football, predominantly in Ireland, and had impressive coaching CVs.
O’Reilly hoped the players would help increase the depth of talent and create a team the region would be proud to identify with.
"We want to develop the game in the region. We’re hoping that we’re bringing in some import players that will create some real aspiration when they look at the guys and the club."
While the team languished at the bottom of the table last season, there was still cause for hope.
"There are quality players here, but I don’t think the structure allowed for those players to showcase themselves at national league level. But I’ve been pleasantly surprised. I think we’ve got some really good players. The depth of quality probably isn’t there, hence why we’ve brought in some imports."
The team has its first pre-season game in Christchurch against Tasman United tomorrow, before announcing its final squad on Friday next week.
