FASHION may be his passion, but Fabian Wilnis admits he did consider applying for the Ipswich Town manager’s job.

The 42-year-old – a firm fans’ favourite at Portman Road during his decade there as a player – hung up his boots in 2009 to become a model, as well as director of sportswear company Jemsz.

His love of football has never waned though. And having steadily worked through his coaching badges back in his native Holland, he was assistant manager at Dutch amateur side vv Heerjansdam for a spell, before he returned to England to link up with former Town men Tony Humes and John McGreal at Colchester United’s Centre of Excellence.

So when his beloved Blues parted company with manager Paul Jewell at the beginning of last month, Wilnis admits he seriously thought about throwing his hat in the ring.

Speaking to Essex Style Magazine not long after Mick McCarthy was given the job, he said: “I was really thinking about it to be honest, but then I found out they were looking for a more experienced coach who had a good track record.

“It is still a dream of mine to become a Town manager one day. If they were to approach me about becoming the manager, or assistant manager, I would do it straight away. I guess it’s up to them to choose what kind of character is right for the group.”

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‘It’s a cattle show’ – See today’s EADT (page 16 of the Green’Un supplement) for Wilnis’ strong views on the number of loanees at Ipswich Town, as well his thoughts on what relegation could mean for his beloved Blues. Not in Suffolk or north Essex? Buy an e-edition: http://www.eadt.co.uk/home/e-edition