Nick Winkler-Maloney has been a part of Lismore Thistles Soccer Club since he was five years old.

He had a brief flirtation with Lismore Workers three years ago, but Winkler-Maloney is a true Thistle.

"All of my brothers, cousins, my uncle, and my father have played for Thistles. It’s all I’ve ever known in Lismore. I think I’m a very passionate clubman and always love to help when I can," Winkler-Maloney said, who also coached, together with Cohen Parrish, the Thistles' Under 12s through to Under 16s. 

Winkler-Maloney will be coaching the Football Far North Coast Premier League side, which reached the Preliminary Final last year under coach Darren Beardow. Beardow did not want the post this coming season and Winkler-Maloney, part of the Premier Reserve Grade Final winners in September 2018, took up an invitation to coach.

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"We are going to have a very different looking squad this year. It’ll be another young squad but with the experience our young fellas have had playing either Reserve Grade last year and a bit of Prems will be good for them. 

"I believe the way that we play, and have for the last few years since Chris Hunt took over, and then followed by Darren Beardow last year, is good enough to be able to give the competition a good shake. 

"As I am a defensive player myself, I want to work with the boys at the back to try and bring down the errors at the back and not concede as many goals as last year. That’s my small goal for the year."

The Thistles have finished fifth for the past two seasons of Football Far North Coast's Premier Division. They will be without regular midfield dynamo Oscar Stahl and former player-coach Chris Hunt for the coming season.

"Of course, I’d love to finish top four. Getting off to a good start yes is huge, so it all kind of starts with the Anzac Cup," said Winkler-Maloney, who will be assisted by Harvey Wilson.

"Few good games, get our fitness up and have a good go. 

"I really am excited for the season to start."