Former Tasmanian state coach Eamonn Kelly was chosen to coach the Gunners next season, but is now no longer relocating from the Apple Isle because of changing work commitments.

Piggott, Azzurri's youth grade coach this season, comes with strong credentials and was at the helm of the Highfields club's most recent grand final win in 2002.

Gunners president Peter Brown said Piggott had signed with South Cardiff for the next three seasons, regardless of whether they make the cut for the Northern NSW State League or not.

"We're very happy with what we've come out with," Brown said.

"It certainly could have been a lot worse and we're lucky Steve was still available after we made the announcement with Eamonn."

[PI9017] The Gunners continue to produce quality juniors.

For the fourth straight year the club's youth team will contest the Northern NSW State League grand final on Sunday against Edgeworth.

South Cardiff lost the 2005 and 2006 grand finals to Hamilton Olympic, before taking the crown last year after beating Broadmeadow.

[PI9017] Life is good at the moment for state league player of the year Rhys Tippett. The Weston striker enjoyed a sensational year on the park and will top it off next month by marrying fiancee Sarah Farthing.

[PI9017] The Northern NSW first division competition will be expanded from 10 to 12 teams next season.

At least two sides will be cut for next year's eight-team state league, and these sides will be eligible for first division.

Fourteen teams have applied for the eight positions in the 2009 state league. Three of these sides, Adamstown, Maitland and Lambton Jaffas, play in the first division.

The final eight has been selected by the independent board, chaired by former NSW gaming minister Richard Face, and will be officially announced on Monday.

[PI9017] Maybe Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery knows something we don't.

Speaking at Monday night's Northern NSW Football presentation night, Hornery inadvertently referred to the Blues as "Hamilton Azzurri" when talking about the club's grand final against Broadmeadow Magic on Sunday.