Wilnis loves every minute of testimonial

Fabian Wilnis admitted loving every minute of his well-earned testimonial.

The former Ipswich Town defender – who spent nine years at Portman Road – was in the spotlight as Roy Keane’s Blues beat Colchester United 2-0.

The game was a proper pre-season friendly, with Wilnis coming on to play the last 12 minutes, and at half-time the crowd were treated to a mini-match involving former Ipswich greats like Kevin Beattie, John Wark, Frans Thijssen, Martijn Reuser and Hermann Hreidarsson.

Afterwards Wilnis told the Gazette: “It was such a special day and I enjoyed every single minute.

“I feel proud and honoured to have played for the club as long as I did and the whole experience was a wonderful and very happy part of my life.

“To celebrate that with one last appearance in front of the most important people – my family, friends and of course the fans – was amazing.”

Wilnis admitted particularly enjoying his half-time ‘all stars’ game.

“It was great fun and I think the crowd found it really entertaining, seeing players from different generations out on the same pitch,” said the Dutchman.

“I’m grateful to those guys for giving up their time and I hope they enjoyed it as much as I did.”

Wilnis was later joined by 250 people for a special meal and party at the Corn Exchange in Ipswich.

Thijssen was the guest of honour and also present was Spanish striker Pablo Counago, who has rejected the chance to join Swansea City.

Town and the Welsh side agreed a fee late last week, which was thought to be somewhere in the region of £300,000 and £500,000.

However, after speaking with the Swans, Counago has decided he wants to stay and continue his career at Portman Road.

Town made a new signing of their own on Friday when Colin Healy completed his move from Cork City.

The 29-year-old midfielder has signed a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee and admitted the transfer came ‘out of the blue’.

He added: “The manager has very high ambitions and that’s the way it should be.

“He’s proved what a good manager he is and I’m really looking forward to my time here.”

Healy was among the substitutes against Colchester.

Matt Plummer (Colchester Gazette)