GRAYS Athletic have signed experienced Dutch player Fabian Wilnis.

The defender, who is 38 later this month, ended a nine year association with Ipswich Town at the end of last season.

He was one of the longest serving players at the club, having arrived from De Graafschap in 1999. He has also played for NAC Breda.

In his Ipswich Town career he scored six goals, including goals in a 1–1 draw against Manchester United and in a 2-0 win against local rivals Norwich City. He was the supporters' Player of the Year for 2005–06.

Under Jim Magilton, Wilnis frequently found himself on the sidelines though he signed a new one-year contract in May 2007.

After Ipswich's final game of the 2007–08 season, Wilnis announced that he was to retire but was hoping for a coaching role with Ipswich, but that hasn't materialised.

He has joined Grays on a one year contract, taking him up to the end of this season.

Grays manager and chairman Mike Woodward said he was is very pleased with the signing, adding: "With our aspirations of gaining promotion to the Football League this coming season Fabian's experience will be extremely valuable during the long campaign."