Wilnis: Where do I stand?

By Elvin King

FABIAN Wilnis has blamed a lack of confidence caused by being in and out of the Town team for his mistakes in the 3-2 home Champion-ship defeat by Preston North End on Tuesday.

The 36-year-old Dutchman, pictured, whose weak back-header led to Preston pulling back to 2-1 after being outplayed in the first half said: “Players need to know where they stand.

“I was in the stand for two games and then brought back into the first team. I had not played since the Coventry game five weeks ago and was bound to be a little rusty.”

In a thinly-veiled attack on new manager and former team-mate Jim Magilton, Wilnis added: “Last season I was voted player of the year with the manager picking me consistently. He showed faith in me and this boosted my confidence.

“I know that I have not become a bad player overnight and know that I can still hold my own in the team.

“At my age I am still learning and I have a desire to do this and to keep playing well for Ipswich Town.”

Wilnis was not slow to blame himself for the defeat holding his hands up for the first and third goals.

He added: “I take the blame. Football is full of ups and downs and it was my mistakes that were vital against Preston.

“I am not going to criticise my team mates and I am big enough to take the rap.

“My header back to the goalkeeper did not work out for the first goal, and for the third one I let the scorer move inside as I felt he was 25 yards from goal and there would be no great danger.

“It all went pear-shaped in the second half, which is a huge shame as we were much better than them in the first period.”

Ipswich face another tough game on Saturday when they play their fifth of six consecutive matches in East Anglia with a visit to promoted Southend.

What do you think? Do you agree with Fabian Wilnis? Write to Sports Desk, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN or alternatively you can e-mail star sport@eveningstar.co.uk