``I would have liked to have gone again next year. We have improved a lot over the season.''

 

North Shore president Dale Purcell said the club needed to explore every avenue for 2014.

 

``It's a very important appointment,'' Purcell said.

 

``Obviously we a grateful for all the work Ricco has done with the club. He will always be welcome at the club and we hope to see him down at the club at past players days and functions.

 

``Now that we know where everyone sits we can start looking towards next season.''

 

It has been a tough season in charge of the Seagulls for Riccardi, who lost a number of key players at the start of the season.

 

North Shore lost best and fairest Will Slade, star midfielder Lindsay Scown, leader James Chandler and leading goal kicker Lachlan Thompson before a ball had been bounced in 2013.

 

The Seagulls have blooded a number of young players this season and the team has significantly improved in recent weeks.

 

It culminated with a final-minute win over St Mary's a fortnight ago.

 

``I still think the group has got a lot of improvement in them so it's a little bit disappointing I won't see it out,'' Riccardi said.

 

``But that said I am excited to see what other opportunities are out
there.''

Riccardi said he still harboured ambitions to coach senior football.

 

``It's disappointing, but hopefully there is another job out there for me at another club,'' he said.

 

``I still want to coach and I enjoy the coaching side of it. If there is anything out there, I am open to talking to anyone.''