Herald Women's Premier League heavyweights Merewether are searching for a coach after the club parted ways with Antonio Ambrogetti on Sunday, three weeks ahead of its first game.
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Ambrogetti coached United in the inaugural WPL season and he was appointed by the club for this campaign after successful mentor Cassandra Koppen stood down.
Merewether president Scott Ellis told the Newcastle Herald the decision was made over the weekend and he would step in as interim coach until a replacement was found.
"It really came down to it was not quite the right fit. It was nothing to do with Antonio's experience or capabilities or anything else," Ellis said.
Merewether, who featured in four of the past five grand finals and won three in Koppen's five years at the helm, open their 2020 campaign against defending champions New Lambton in a grand final rematch on March 8.
The Eagles won the championship decider 4-3 in extra time. Both sides have lost key players from that match.
While New Lambton have lost Tara Andrews, Lauren Allan, Sophie Jones, Imogene Tomasone, Imogen Tusek and Jenna Kennedy, United are without Jamee Ellis, Jane McDonald, Leah Giuffre, Tayla Braithwaite and Courtney Anderson for this campaign.
Ellis said Merewether were still looking for one or two first-grade players to round out the squad.
The round-one clash will be played at No.2 Sportsground.
Northern NSW Football are aiming to have the WPL reach National Premier League status next year and the use of better grounds has been a focus.
Merewether have also secured No.2 Sportsground for their round-four home game against Broadmeadow.
Broadmeadow will play their home games out of Magic Park, Newcastle Olympic at Darling Street Oval and Warners Bay will use Macquarie Field for some of their matches.
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