Former Imp Lands Top Australian Role

February 26, 2023 Gary Headlines, Lincoln City 0

If I were to tell you a former Imp has landed a job as Head Coach of Australian A-League side Brisbane Roar, it would sound quite impressive.

You might scour your minds for a manager who left the club recently or a former player who has gone into coaching. However, you wouldn’t find the answer there. Instead, the role has gone to Nick Green, and whilst you might not recall the name, he is someone who played a key role in building our academy in the early stages of our return to the Football League.

Nick Green came to the Imps in May 2017, shortly after we returned to the Football League, appointed by Damian Froggatt. He spent a single season with the club before heading off to Australia to continue his coaching career over there, but when he left, he did so with a ringing endorsement from his peers.

β€œHis contribution to the academy in what has been a year of challenges and change has been significant,” Damian said when Nick departed. “He has embedded himself into the culture of the club and truly calls himself an Imp.”

“Nick has been absolutely brilliant, he may have only been here a year, but he’s made a huge difference to our Academy,” added then-manager Danny Cowley. “Day in, day out, he’s worked tirelessly hard to create a good environment and experience for our scholars.”

His journey has now taken him to Brisbane Roar, where he has just a handful of matches to stop them from finishing bottom of the A-League. Much like in the US, there’s no relegation, but the three-time champions are, for want of a better phrase, on their arse. Warren Moon is the departing manager, but before that, Robbie Fowler was in charge, which gives you some idea of the size of the club. In terms of Australian football, Brisbane Roar are a Newcastle United or West Ham. It’s a big job for Green.

He’s got off to a good start as well – they grabbed the first victory since January 6th in his first game in charge, beating Perth Glory 2-1 to climb above them in the league.

Why am I telling you this? Well, firstly, it’s a former Imp doing well, someone who helped lay early foundations around the academy, which is currently thriving. Secondly, I think it is a good example of how our recruitment has been strong for some time. Nick Green played a role in our club’s rise, contributed to Lincoln City, and now he’s one of the top coaches in Australia. it’s a fine example of someone having experience at our club, but also of our recruitment managers spotting potential in someone long before they are able to realise it on the bigger stage.

Fair dinkum.