10-08-2025
Rejoining Southern United ‘best challenge' for coach
Kris Ridley in 2022. PHOTO: ODT FILES
Sometimes taking a step back helps you move forward.
Kris Ridley stepped down from coaching Southern United earlier this year after three seasons to avoid any conflict as he took over as the Dunedin City Royals women's head coach.
But having a hand in the women's game all year round had been good for Ridley, who threw his hat in the ring and will re-join Southern United as the national league head coach again this season.
Coaching at club level differed from the national stage.
But having coached various levels in Australia, Ridley knew it was the "best challenge" for him.
"Coaching a club football team for 20 games-plus is a challenge beyond just a nine-week national league challenge," Ridley said.
"You get the love for football again.
"Even coaches like myself who coach all the time, you fall out of love every now and then with football and you're like ... 'what's my why?'.
"Albeit, the national league is a very serious competition. It's the biggest competition in women's football here in New Zealand — so why wouldn't I want to be a part of that?"
He is excited to get stuck in to another big national league campaign.
"Always excited. Very grateful that I've been selected again to lead the girls, and the staff, and look forward to that challenge every time.
"Probably more so this time ... when you consider trying to replicate 2023 — that'll be our aim," he said.
Southern United made it through to the final in 2023, falling just short to Auckland United, who were in some form.
Southern United finished eighth last year with three wins, two draws and four losses and their biggest loss was only by two goals.
"Last year we were a competitive side but the results just didn't come out way.
"We didn't get thumped. We were very unlucky.
"On paper, we had an amazing team but it just didn't work last year and that happens in football and sport."
Shontelle Smith was named the league's MVP last year, scoring five goals in seven games.
The national league kicks off later next month.
