Murray's reappointment as United coach was confirmed yesterday.
The Dunedin primary school teacher has received the endorsement of his board for his effort, at short notice, of leading Otago through a promising rookie season.
Murray was both relieved and excited to get the chance to do the job again.
"Last year went so quickly, and we didn't get a lot of time to properly prepare," he said.
"Now we've got plenty of time to get things under way, and we think we've got a few exciting things lined up."
Otago United is not exactly flush with cash, and can not hope to recruit players on the radar of ASB Premiership heavyweights like Waitakere and Auckland.
What it can do is put faith in local players, and make sure they are fit.
Murray, who coaches Caversham in the winter, is confident a United team based on home-grown talent can thrive.
"We want to stay local, and we believe the experience some of our younger guys got last year will have done them a lot of good.
"We can't compete financially with other teams.
"But we can work hard and get fit."
Still, Murray will be working hard over the next few months to fill his roster, hoping a dash of experience can be added in a couple of key areas.
Murray will again be assisted by Andy Duncan.
United chairman Phil Cunningham said Murray had done a good job in his first season and now had a chance to properly prepare for a second crack.
"We are keen to see Richard take the team forward.
"He will have more time to plan for next season and to get fitness programmes in place," Cunningham said.
"A key part of Richard's job is also going to be promoting Otago United to clubs all over the region.
"Other candidates for the job were of high quality.
"But we're backing Richard to do the job well again."
