The Southern United Herald
Market24 Aug 2026
Dane Garbett asks to leave Southern United
“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.
Market24 Aug 2026
Southern United turn down Auckland FC for Tommy Sutton
The offer was not close and it was refused without much discussion. Whether the second one is refused as quickly is another matter.
Squad24 Aug 2026
Tempers go at Southern United
Dane Just was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad24 Aug 2026
Chris Barbarouses falls out with a teammate over standards
The oldest argument in any dressing room and the only one that is genuinely about football: one man thinks another is not putting enough in. It is also the row a manager privately does not mind having happened.
Squad24 Aug 2026
Owen Van Hattum gets it from the manager
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
Market24 Aug 2026
Joe Smith is free to find somewhere else
“I was told straight, and I would rather have it straight.” The manager at Southern United has been clear about where Joe Smith stands, which is more than many ever get.
In brief
- Squad Sam Cacace asks for a word with the manager
- Market Matt Rufer goes out on loan to play