Veteran full-back Fabian Wilnis is set to call time on a nine-year spell at Ipswich.
Defender forced to leave Portman Road
Veteran full-back Fabian Wilnis is set to call time on a nine-year spell at Ipswich.
The Dutch defender's current contract with the Tractor Boys expires on Monday and he has been told that he will not be offered an extension.
The 37-year-old has already begun coaching courses in preparation for the day he hangs up his boots, recently passing his Uefa B badge, and had hoped to remain at Portman Road as a member of the backroom staff.
However, having received a number of offers from clubs across England and Scotland, most notably from Ipswich's near neighbours Colchester, Wilnis looks set to delay his retirement in favour of an extended playing career.
Ideal
"I have some offers to consider and a couple of meetings planned with other clubs this week. Colchester would be ideal, but we must wait and see on that one," the defender told the
East Anglian Daily Times.
"It is a big decision for me to make. Do I opt for a one-year playing deal or for a deal where I can combine playing with coaching for a season?
"My aim is to become a coach and I have to consider this and what will be best for me."
Wilnis has been granted a testimonial at Ipswich next season in recognition of his loyalty to the club but expects to have severed all ties with Jim Magilton's men by then.
Ambassador
"I won't be staying at Ipswich," he added.
"I have had a chat with Jim Magilton and he knows how I feel and that I would love to stay at Portman Road.
"But there is no vacancy on the coaching staff and I would not like to have it on my conscience that I may have done someone else out of a job.
"But whatever I do I will continue to be an ambassador for Ipswich Town. I expect to make my decision by the end of this month."
