FABIAN Wilnis is staying at Portman Road.But he revealed today that at one stage this season he thought his Ipswich Town days were coming to an end.Blues boss Jim Magilton has confirmed that Wilnis has been offered a new one-year contract, and the formalities are expected to be completed before the player leaves early next week on his summer break.

By Elvin King

FABIAN Wilnis is staying at Portman Road.

But he revealed today that at one stage this season he thought his Ipswich Town days were coming to an end.

Blues boss Jim Magilton has confirmed that Wilnis has been offered a new one-year contract, and the formalities are expected to be completed before the player leaves early next week on his summer break.

Delighted to remain a member of the Blues squad for the 2007/08 campaign, the Dutch defender says that he is ready to take on the world.

Wilnis is expected to be captain when the Blues play their final Coca-Cola Championship game of the season against Cardiff City at Portman Road on Sunday and says that he does not want the season to end.

But a few weeks ago Wilnis' chequered eight-year Town career suffered one of its dips.

He said: “There were times when I thought my time with Ipswich could be coming to an end.

“I seriously thought it could be my last season.

“For a while I wasn't even getting a place on the bench.

“I had to ask myself whether I still had the drive to keep going - and how much I wanted it.

“Two things drove me on - my love for the game and my passion for this club.

“I tried to keep thinking positively and, in many ways, I feel I've been rewarded because things have gone full circle.

“Being around for another year is a great honour and privilege.

“I have captained the side, I am playing well and, overall, I just want the season to go on and on.

“I feel as though I could take on the world.”

Reflecting on the two months from November 11 to January 16 when he did not get a first team game, Wilnis said: “It doesn't pay to go around moaning and complaining, and I've been in the game long enough to know that if you keep your head down you'll get a chance.

“Being in and out of the side is part and parcel of football.

“Everyone knows what's happened this season.

“We've had a lot of new and young players introduced to the squad and it took time for us to gel into one efficient unit.

“But the progression is there for everyone to see and next season I'm certain we'll push for the play-offs.”

Magilton added: “Since Christmas Fabian has had a better attitude - after taking time to get used to new management team.

“I want to keep him. He is great player to have around the building and provides cover across the back four. Recently he has been quite outstanding.”