With the best season the club has seen in almost a decade, it’s no wonder South Melbourne want to keep their award winning coach close.

NPL coach Chris Taylor has singed onto the club “long-term” and will take on the role of head of football in 2015.

Extending his contract, Taylor will take on new responsibilities on top of his NPL coaching duties, and will overlook the entire NPL structure and curriculum at the club.

South Melbourne hoisted their first state league cup in more than eight years this season, taking out the first NPL Victoria premiership.