ASB National League
Dunedin, 2011-12

Otago United squad announced
Rab Smith

In three weeks time, Otago United will play its first ASB National League match, and new coach Richard Murray has galvanized into action with intensive training at Forrester park.

‘ The response from players has been superb, both in numbers and in the hard work being done by several age groups from U15 to U17 and the national league squad itself,’ said Murray.

‘ The senior ASB squad was selected at the weekend, and is now focusing on our first match which is away to Wellington on Sunday 23 October.’

Other national league sides have already been training and playing pre-season matches, so once again Otago is playing ‘catch-up.’

However now that the Squad has been selected, player contracts are being processed, as required by Football New Zealand which has officially accepted Otago’s entry.

The venue for ASB Premiership matches in Dunedin, is still being debated. In previous seasons several grounds have been used including Carisbrook, the Caledonian ground, Tahuna park and a future possibility, if affordable, is the new Forsyth Barr Stadium.

Along with senior coach Murray, many more coaches have become involved in what looks like an impressive group seeking to produce a a production line of Youth talent, Murray said,’ We are aiming at a seamless progression through different age groups towards national league.

Along the way there is an U15 tour to Singapore, the U17 Milk Cup tournament in Northern Ireland, the national ASB Youth league, and the senior ASB competition itself. ‘ As required by competition rules we have named five youth Academy players among the 20 players selected at the weekend, and have a further 5 places available and up for grabs. ‘

The Otago United squad is, Goal Keeper: Callum Flaws (Caversham) Defenders: Zac Rathbone (University), Jude Fitzpatrick (Miramar), Tom Connor (Roslyn), Matt Joy (Dunedin Technical), Tristan Prattley (Dunedin Technical), Craig Ferguson (Southland) Midfield: Mike Cunningham (Roslyn), Darren Overton (Caversham), Seamus Ryder (Caversham), Harley Rodeka (Caversham), Sam Mepham (Roslyn), Morgan Day (Mosgiel) Strikers: Ant Hancock (Caversham), Donnie McGregor (unattached)

Academy Players: Matt Brook (Mosgiel), Andrew Ridden (Southland) Nick Hindson (Dunedin Tech), Jackson Mitchell (Grants Braes), Joel Stevens (APFA - Chch)

Some players who are returning from injuries were not considered at this stage, but they will be they will be when match fitness is regained.

All involved have been impressed with the turnout to the trials held over the past 3 weeks and Murray is very pleased that so many players wanted to be considered. Some came from as far as Christchurch.

There have been over 35 players trialing and training. Training sessions at Forrester Park on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 and at weekends have attracted many interested spectators who are keenly looking forward to summer football.