Fabian Wilnis

Career Early career Wilnis began his career in the Sparta Rotterdam academy, joining the club's youth set up in 1985. After spending six years at Sparta Rotterdam he joined NAC Breda where he spend four years, making over 100 appearances for the club. In 1995 he signed for De Graafschap. He made over 100 appearances for the Dutch club between 1995 and 1999.

Ipswich Town Wilnis signed for Ipswich Town in January 1999. The Dutchman joined the Blues from De Graafschap for £200,000, replacing Mauricio Taricco. Wilnis quickly established himself in the side and was a key part of George Burley's side which won promotion to the Premiership. He made his debut for Ipswich in a 1–0 loss to Grimsby Town on 9 January 1999. Wilnis featured frequently during the remainder of the 1998–99 season as Ipswich finished 3rd in the First Division, losing out to Bolton Wanderers on aggregate over two legs in the First Division play-offs. He scored his first goal for the club on 3 April 1999, netting the final goal in a 6–0 win over Swindon Town.

[Wilnis] said Norwich weren't good enough to top the table, wouldn't survive in the Premier League and unless they signed 15 new players they'd be relegated by Christmas – much to the fury of City followers. Unfortunately he was told there were no vacancies at Portman Road at the time, which brought to an end a long association with the club. He was released by the club at the end of the 2007–08 season.

In August 2008, Wilnis signed for Grays Athletic on a one-year contract. He retired at the end of the 2008–09 season. Wilnis played his last game for Ipswich Town in his Testimonial game with Colchester United in 2009. A stunning own goal from Colchester defender Magnus Okuonghae and a strike from Jordan Rhodes gave the Blues a 2–0 victory. Fabian Wilnis made his final appearance in a Town shirt with 12 minutes left, his every touch applauded by the Blues supporters. After the final whistle Fabian Wilnis thanked and said goodbye to Town fans for the final time at the end of his distinguished 11 years in English football, 10 of them with the Blues. In December 2011 he joined the Colchester United Centre of Excellence coaching staff

Career statistics

Honours Ipswich Town Football League First Division play-offs: 2000

Individual Ipswich Town Player of the Year: 2005–06