Earlier in the week we discussed how the seven new signings brought our squad size to an unsustainable number and now we’re seeing the first signs of squad turnover.

Andy Brennan announced on Facebook that he is leaving the club in a post thanking fans and people at the club for his time at South. It appears in the tone that Andy was sad as to the manner of his departure but nevertheless was grateful for his time at South.

Andy played over 100 games for South across three stints. He first came to the club in 2015 and returned in 2018 and 2022 after stints at other A-League and NPL clubs. Andy scored critical goals for South during his time and was a dangerous play marker down the wings. Brennan is also notable for being the first openly gay player to wear represent the team and has played an important advocacy role over the past few years. Brennan is also notable for being one of the few Tasmanians playing higher level football and offered South a unique connection to South Hobart FC when we faced them earlier in the year.

I now have two questions. Firstly, who else will leave? There have been rumours that Ren Nagamatsu has left the club already and I’m sure there will be a few more. Secondly, how will the club announce these departures? The timing to be frank is not great – although expected the club may avoid big public statements while it’s trying to sell tickets for the Australian Championship launch. I guess we wait and see. Players like Brennan deserve a proper send off.

Good luck Andy! We wish you all the best in your next steps!