FABIAN Wilnis would not change anything about his football career.The 36-year-old defender will be reminded of one of the highlights of his time on Ipswich Town's books when he faces Barnsley in the Coca-Cola Championship at Portman Road tomorrow (kick-off 3pm).
By Elvin King
FABIAN Wilnis would not change anything about his football career.
The 36-year-old defender will be reminded of one of the highlights of his time on Ipswich Town's books when he faces Barnsley in the Coca-Cola Championship at Portman Road tomorrow (kick-off 3pm).
He will be the sole survivor from the side that beat the Tykes at a packed Wembley Stadium in the 2000 First Division play-off final.
“If I had my time over again I would do exactly the same,” said Wilnis, who is keen to gain a new one-year contract in the summer.
“I was welcomed when I first arrived at Portman Road, and have been treated well ever since.
“Like all footballers who have been in the game for nearly 20 years I have experienced plenty of ups and downs.
“But the ups have outweighed the downs, and I could not have been fortunate enough to have spent the majority of my career at such a wonderful club.”
Wilnis has been a prime mover as Town have kept clean sheets in their last two games - and he is looking to help make it three tomorrow.
Town have kept five clean sheets in the Dutch defender's last seven first team starts.
Ipswich have only stopped the opposition scoring nine times this season, and Wilnis has featured in six of them.
“I will drop a hint to the manager,” quipped Wilnis, who confirmed he has yet to see Jim Magilton about a new contract.
“The weather is fine, the pitch is perfect, I can't wait for tomorrow's game.
“What else could you ask for in this world?
“I am still really enjoying it - and do not want it to end.
“Age should not come into it. To be fair like any other job a footballer should be enjoyed on performances.”
Magilton was also involved in the memorable play-off victory over Barnsley, while Richard Naylor played and scored. Naylor is out for the season with a badly bruised foot.
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