“We’ll be speaking to Rod Bartley first to see what he wants to do,’’ club president Ben Sedlen said.

“It will depend on his job and whether he can commit to coaching. Rod said he doesn’t want to coach if he's going to be away too often.’’

Mr Sedlen said Bartley will remain involved with the club in some capacity, even if it isn’t as head coach.

Bartley has been in charge of the Wildcats for the past three seasons and guided the side to the semi-finals each year. Last season Taree bowed out of the premiership races in the minor semi-final. The year before Bartley took over the Wildcats finished last in first and reserve grades.

He also coached the FMNC Southern side in the friendly against the Newcastle Jets and in the inaugural representative fixture against FMNC Northern.

Nine clubs will again contest the premier league next year. Macleay Rangers will be the defending champions.