FORMER Ipswich Town defender Fabian Wilnis will be returning to Suffolk next month, when his new side take on Ipswich Wanderers in a friendly.

Wilnis, who made nearly 300 appearances during his nine-and-a-half year stint at Portman Road, has recently become assistant manager of Dutch non-league side VV Heerjansdam, and his new side will travel to Humber Doucy Lane on Saturday, August 13.

Speaking about his new club, Wilnis said: “The team is of a standard similar to Lowestoft Town and Needham Market. It’s my first role in management, and I’m really looking forward to it.”

VV Heerjansdam compete in the Hoofdklasse, which is the second highest level of amateur football in the Netherlands and three levels below the nations top-flight, The Eredivisie.

The team will travel to England on the Friday night by ferry, with the squad set to arrive at Harwich in the early hours of Saturday morning. After the game against Wanderers, the Dutch side are intending to watch the Ipswich Town v Hull City game later in the afternoon, before returning to Holland on the Sunday.

Wilnis said: “Most of the team have never been to the UK before and it will be nice for me to return to the area to see old friends.”

The game will conclude Wanderers’ six game pre-season schedule, ahead of their first competitive match a week later when they host Newmarket Town in the FA Cup.

The club are looking for more sponsors ahead of the new season. Any parties interested can contact new club chairman Terry Fenwick on 07796 077844.