Former Blue Fabian Wilnis has joined Colchester United’s Centre of Excellence as a coach. The Dutchman joins ex-Town team-mate John McGreal as a member of the U’s youth set-up’s staff, working under another one-time Blues defender Tony Humes.

Wilnis said: “It’s nice to be back, it’s been a while since my testimonial and about a year since I came and played in the Legends match.

“I know [Colchester's head of youth and former Town Academy manager] Tony Humes, [ex-Town Academy coach] Sean Thacker and John McGreal from my Ipswich days, so it’s great to catch up with a few familiar faces.”

The 41-year-old, who recently moved back to the UK while promoting Jemsz, the sportswear company of which he is a director, has been looking for a coaching opportunity having given up his role as assistant manager of Dutch Hoofdklasse B side vv Heerjansdam earlier in the season.

Wilnis, who will be working part-time, mainly with Colchester’s U14s, says his new position provides him with an excellent chance to progress his coaching career: “The main thing for youngsters is to develop their game as much as possible, improve their awareness of what’s around them on the pitch and their knowledge. Hopefully, I’ll be able to use my experience and help them along the way.

“I’ve got my ‘B’ licence already and I’m aiming to start my ‘A’, which will take a couple of years, next summer. I have been doing a bit of coaching with a Conference-standard team in Holland but was looking to get something back here in England.

“My main aim is just to get some more coaching done now and it’s a fantastic opportunity I’ve been given by Colchester United.”

Photo: Action Images

Loyal_S added 15:12 - Dec 9 Shame he's not working here instead. Good Luck Fab!
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PJ_Needs_Duncan added 15:17 - Dec 9 Why aren't they with us? Fabian should be our next manager
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rob_flecks_waistline added 15:26 - Dec 9 Legend!
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nbsiyag added 17:03 - Dec 9 Hoofdklasse!?! That's never the "Ipswich way"!
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Bluetone added 17:18 - Dec 9 I wish you well Fab.
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AlanMahon2011 added 19:00 - Dec 9 He went to colchester because they're more promising than the sinking ship that is Ipswich town.
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Suffolk_n_Good added 19:07 - Dec 9 Let's hope he does a great job there, & then we can take him to PR & benefit from his experience.
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footyblue added 20:16 - Dec 9 Yeah we could do with him at the TOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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h32 added 21:02 - Dec 9 Should never have had to go down the road for a coaching job - another dedicated 'true blue' if ever there was one. Loves the Club - IPSWICH PEDIGREE.
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h32 added 21:19 - Dec 9 Great ambassador for any Club. Good Luck Fabian - you'll do well.
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Benters added 06:14 - Dec 10 wish he had came to town
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blueoff added 10:04 - Dec 10 Ditto everything above, fab was way ahead as a player over anything Jewellio has signed
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Michael11 added 19:44 - Dec 11 Surely theres a place for John McGreal and Fab at Portman Road, a bit of positional training for Carlos Edwards would be much appreciated!
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paulnstar added 18:57 - Dec 14 dont blame him for going to colchester ,theyve got more going for them than us ,all their new facilities plus the derby next year when ipswich get relegated
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