I feel like the issue is that the link between the Southern United team and the Southern league is that the Irish lads are helping the state of football in the region yet they are not even playing in the premier division.
I appreciate that they are doing work at schools, youth level and coaching etc, but those actually playing the game and those developing to try and get into the Southern team are barely getting any benefit from these guys being here. They clearly have ability and experience, but if they were training / playing with those in the Southern league week in week out then surely the standard of the local players would further increase.
Maybe its a very long term focus with their support and development, but the local league needs help now, especially moving into the South Island league
Did you miss my comment earlier?
"The main reason they didn't play winter football last year was because they had come straight in from a full Irish Premier league season without a break. Surely they'll be involved next winter given the SI League."
I had also heard a comment that their Dev jobs meant they were often busy working weekends with kids etc, but I'm pretty confident they will be involved in winter football next year.
How will it help Southern football when all the Irish turn out for Caversham and/or Dunedin Tech?
Get them playing with the other clubs at the Northern or Grants level
Don't get too excited over a South Island league la, it hasn't got any clubs with the entry fee paid yet.