But despite the obstacles, Dunedin City Royals coach Richard Murray can see the positive building blocks the club laid in the Southern League this season.
The Royals finished seventh in the league with a record of six wins, one draw and 10 losses.
After the exit of some key experience from the 2023 season, where the Royals finished fourth, it was always going to be a challenge to match the top Christchurch teams.
But calling on 31 players throughout the season added to it.
"We had little blips of good moments during the season," Murray said.
"I suppose you’d probably call it a development year with using that 31 players.
"There were lots that got an opportunity and got some experience in playing that league."
Young Hugh Jack, who is in his final year at King’s High School, came on in leaps and bounds, as did under-20 player Jack Julian.
But having a plethora of changes stunted the Royals’ chance to gain any real momentum.
Murray conceded the Royals took a while to "get up to speed" after limited preseason games, but was pleased with the middle patch of the season — which started back in March — where they found some form.
Travel continued to be the main barrier.
The Royals play away for nine out of the 18 games — they only played 17 this season due to a cancellation against Nelson Suburbs in the final round due to weather — and having games delayed, or postponed stunted consistency.
But Murray did not want to use that as an excuse.
"But you can’t put that in as a road block as well, you’ve got to find ways to manage that and get through it.
"That’s probably the biggest learning for us this year, is what we have to do to prepare and be ready for that."
The player pool in Christchurch was also much larger, and high-performing footballers were being snapped up by American colleges or A-League environments, rather than coming to Dunedin for university.
"That’s going to make it incredibly tough in the future, hence why the [Royals’] academy is so important for us ... and developing within."
Murray, who intends to return as coach next season, said they would continue to develop next season.
They will lose Hayden Aish, Braden Fowell, Josh McCarroll and Oban Hawkins, currently playing for New Zealand at the Futsal World Cup.
