Lismore Thistles have signed the 2020 Northern NSW Coach of the Year to lead its Premier League team in 2021.

Thistles and Chris Layland reached agreement to take charge of the men’s Premier League team after last year's Premier League coach Nick Winkler-Maloney said he would not return.

One of the most experienced coaches on the Far North Coast, Layland has vast experience with football on the Far North Coast and at elite representative level, and encourages new and existing players to join Thistles for success in 2021.

For the past four seasons, Layland has been with Byron Bay as both their Summer Youth League (SYL) head coach and their Technical Director.

At Byron Bay, Layland oversaw the winning of 16 trophies and implemented the club’s High Performance Program but it was his record-equalling hat-trick of SYL titles that he is most remembered for.

Chris Layland's experience and technical knowledge will be a huge boost for the young players at Lismore Thistles.

Along with his achievements on the Far North Coast, where he has coached for 18 years, Layland also has success coaching at the elite level with his son, Christian, who recently joined the A-League coaching staff at the top-of-the-table Central Coast Mariners.

Together they won the Australian national title with the New South Wales State Team in 2018 and a bronze medal at the NSW State Titles in 2016.

As well as this, Layland has been instrumental in sending many of the region’s top talents to trial with clubs such as Western Sydney Wanderers and Sydney Olympic. It was through his connections that FFNC Golden Boot winner Sam Shepherd signed with Wanderers: winning an U20 championship with the A-League club.

Layland has completed his FFA B Licence course, is an FFA Coaching Course Presenter, and has previously been a Brisbane Roar Academy coach.

“I am excited and proud to join Lismore Thistles: one of the most historic and successful clubs on the Far North Coast,” said Layland.

“We are looking to build Thistles back into a major force. We will have a winning mentality, we will play good football and we will challenge for trophies.

“I urge all players who would like to join us at Thistles to give me a call on 0403 926 132. We welcome new and returning players.”

Chris Layland's appointment is a feather in the cap of Lismore Thistles' committee.

Layland was sounded out by Simon Stahl, a Thistles' committee member, said Thistles' President Cam Latimer.

"Chris has moved back home and said he did not fancy a three hour round trip to Byron," said Latimer.

"This is a massive step forward for the club. Chris' experience and technical ability will see our young boys thrive. I have had a couple of calls from players in the 25 to 29 age group, who have expressed interest already."

Thistles finished sixth in 2020, with four wins and six losses from a season hit by the coronavirus pandemic. Byron Bay won the Grand Final.

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