Career
He played for NAC Breda, De Graafschap, Ipswich Town and Grays Athletic. Wilnis played for NAC Breda and De Graafschap before signing for Ipswich in 1999. The Dutchman joined the Blues from De Graafschap for £200,000 in January 1999, replacing Mauricio Taricco.
Wilnis scored a rare and memorable goal against Manchester United in the first home game after the return to the top flight.
Former Norwich striker Joe Royle"s arrival as manager a year later saw Wilnis get his chance once more. He was a regular mainly at right-back but often at left-back and latterly at centre-half during the former England striker"s tenure as manager.
Wilnis became one of the longest-serving players at the club Under Jim Magilton, Wilnis frequently found himself on the sidelines, but signed a new one-year contract in May 2007.
After Ipswich"s final game of the 2007-2008 season, Wilnis announced that he was to retire as a player, but was interested in coaching opportunities at Ipswich, but was told there were no vacancies at Portman Road, which brought to an end a long association with the club
He was released by the club at the end of the 2007-2008 season. -->
In August 2008, Wilnis signed for Grays Athletic on a one-year contract. He retired at the end of the 2008-2009 season.
Wilnis played his last game for Ipswich Town in his Testimonial game with Colchester United in 2009.
A stunning own goal from Colchester defender Magnus Okuonghae and a strike from Jordan Rhodes gave the Blues a 2–0 victory. Fabian Wilnis made his final appearance in a Town shirt with 12 minutes left, his every touch applauded by the Blues supporters.
After the final whistle Fabian Wilnis thanked and said goodbye to Town fans for the final time at the end of his distinguished 11 years in English football 10 of them with the Blues. In December 2011 he joined the Colchester United Centre of Excellence coaching staff
said Norwich weren"t good enough to top the table, wouldn"t survive in the Premier League and unless they signed 15 new players they"d be relegated by Christmas – much to the fury of City followers.
In Wilnis" 2009 autobiography, he wrote:
"I got letters saying I was a dead man and threatening to break my arms and legs if I ever set foot in Norwich.
At the time, it was really frightening. I upset and offended some of their fans and for that I really am sorry. I think the dust has settled now, though.
I"ve only been back there for football.. and won"t risk doing anything else, especially if I"m with my family.".