New signing Nick Robinson will have key roles on and off the pitch next season when ACE make their FQPL 1 debut.
The central striker/midfielder (can play 9, 10 or defensive midfield) brings a wealth of experience to Wolter Park for the 2023 campaign.
He has played just below the UK’s national leagues, won Victoria Premier League and Queensland State League titles and led sides to success in the NPL and FQPL.
Putting pen to paper for ACE has also turned the clock back seven years to when Nick played at Easts, under coach Steve Glockner.
A broken leg curtailed that 2015 season, but Nick is relishing the new challenge with ACE and Steve.
“I played FQPL two years ago and it’s a highly combative league, a good technical league, has good pace and good players in it,” he said.
“(ACE coach) Steve knows squad he needs to be highly competitive and knowing him, he won’t just want to survive in it.
“He wants to be competitive and have a real go. That’s what I’m here to help him do.
“When players move on it creates an opportunity for young players to come up and others to come in and stake their claim … that’s what I have to do.”
The process has already started with the first pre-season session being held last week.
“Nick will add leadership and great support to the team, having played NPL and FQPL,” coach Steve Glockner said.
“His experience at a higher level will be invaluable, but will also add energy and a great work ethic to help the team adapt to a tougher competition.”
Nick played for the likes of FC United of Manchester in the UK before moving to Australia in 2009, joining Richmond in the Victorian Premier League and winning the title with Green Gully in 2010.
The following year he moved to Brisbane and won the last Queensland State League (QSL) with Strikers in 2012. Nick then captained the Perry Park side for the inaugural NPL Qld in 2013.
There followed spells with Redlands, Easts and on the Sunshine Coast, before helping Capalaba win promotion from the FQPL in 2019 and consolidate in NPL during 2019.
“I’ve not played so much the last couple of years with COVID, business and travelling back to the UK,” said Nick, who had a brief spells with Annerley in 2021 and Pine Hills this year.
“I’ve been training quite heavily, until I got a virus recently. But I’m good now – fit, strong and looking forward to it.
“A big part of pre-season is to get to know each other, then the coach’s philosophy and then the hard work starts in December.”
