Wilnis Becomes A Coach

Dutch defender Fabian Wilnis has teamed up with former Ipswich defender John McGreal to coach at Colchester United.

The ex Blues defender who helped Town to win promotion to the Premier League and into the Europe has joined the coaching staff at the U’s Community Stadium where McGreal has been involved for a couple of years along with Tony Humes who used to be Town’s academy manager and coach Sean thacker at the thriving U’s centre of excellence.

Wilnis told the U’s official website, cufc.co.uk: “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 Tony Humes, 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 sportswear company Jemsz, where he is a director, will be working part-time, mainly with Colchester`s U14s

He added: “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.”

Among the talented youngsters at Colchester already are Matt Holland’s two sons.