Kevin Beattie, widely viewed as the greatest player in Town’s history, died in the early hours of this morning, aged 64. The former England international centre-half suffered a suspected heart attack in his sleep.

Carlisle-born Beattie joined the club as a 15-year-old in 1970 - having almost joined Liverpool - and came through the youth ranks at Portman Road, making his debut at Manchester United in August 1972.

He won the 1973/74 PFA Young Player of the Year award and was in the Town team which was victorious in the 1978 FA Cup final. He missed the final of the 1981 UEFA Cup final but was later given a medal in 2008.

Injuries limited his England career to only nine caps, scoring one goal, and also curtailed his Blues career which ended in December 1981 after 296 starts plus 11 as sub and 32 goals.

He subsequently represented Colchester, Middlesbrough, Harwich and Parkeston, Sandvikens in Sweden, Kongsberg IF and Nybergsund IL-Trysil in Norway, and Clacton Town.

Following his career, Beattie continued to live in Chantry and was a full-time carer for his wife Maggie, who was diagnosed with MS in the 1990s and with whom he had three daughters.

In March 1991 he was seriously ill with pancreatitis but made a recovery, despite a priest having administered the last rites.

For the last few years Beattie has been the legend-in-residence on BBC Suffolk’s weekly pre-match, Life’s a Pitch, and made his final appearance on yesterday's show.

Town will hold a minute's applause prior to Tuesday's game against Brentford at Portman Road.

Photo: Action Images

derbyblue51 added 16:27 - Sep 17 The best player. I have ever seen at Ipswich great guy and great pro rip big man
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Billy_Blue_boy added 16:48 - Sep 17 Gone but never forgotten, RIP Beat
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Pinewoodblue added 17:20 - Sep 17 Can you imagine the conversation between The Beat and Sir Bobby. How the boys doing. Sorry Boss they are bottom of what we knew as the second division Sad days indeed.
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Neil222 added 18:42 - Sep 17 In the words of Tina Turner SIMPLY THE BEST RIP Kevin
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pegasus added 19:09 - Sep 17 So very sad to read this. It was a privilege, a real privilege to watch him play football. RIP Kevin
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