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

MarkP1 added 16:23 - Sep 16 Oh, this is such sad news. He was such a good player and a Town legend. RIP Beat, we will miss you.
2

Beattieisback added 16:24 - Sep 16 So sad to hear the news of the passing of Town legend Kevin Beattie. Sending my condolences to all his friends & family. Although please take pride in the esteem that he is held amongst Town supporters. So privileged to see him play and have many cherished memories of the collusus and character that was The Beat. Although he was plagued by injuries in his later career at Town it did give rise to my favourite chant during that era when he was back in the team ‘Beattie is back, Beattie is back' and the lift it gave supporters. It is now time to recognise him fully and to name one of the remaining stands in his honour.

5

blueplumber added 16:24 - Sep 16 Omg so sad and gutted met him a few times listened to him often. Sad sad loss of one who would have been the best ever without his knee trouble. RIP. Thoughts with family
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Bezzer added 16:25 - Sep 16 Think the club should announce all proceeds from Tuesday's match go to the Beats family and let's get a full house, singing for the Beat! #legend
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del45 added 16:26 - Sep 16 The best player to ever wear an Ipswich Town shirt, he will greatly missed, RIP.
4

billlm added 16:27 - Sep 16 Privileged to have watched him home and away town icon,
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Bluebell added 16:27 - Sep 16 I can't believe I was listening to him yesterday and now he's gone. He sounded fine and his usual happy, chatty self. It certainly puts things into perspective. Here we all are arguing about yesterday's game which in the great scheme of things is completely unimportant.
5

blueplumber added 16:27 - Sep 16 RIP big man. V Would have been best defender ever. So sad
1

itfchorry added 16:28 - Sep 16 Just horrible horrible news- A giant of a man both on and off the pitch. Never will he be forgotten.
2

MJR101 added 16:34 - Sep 16 Wow. Truly shocking news. A part of my youth has gone. So glad I got to see him play. No one cane close to him - best Town player ever.
2

pensionerblue added 16:38 - Sep 16 I had the pleasure in watching The Beat throughout his playing career with the Town. In my opinion our best player of all time and probably the best defender I ever have seen bar none. Competitive and reliable at all times and a goliath of a man. A top level career unfortunately curtained too early by a succession of injuries. RIP.
3

Dissboyitfc added 16:38 - Sep 16 So sad, I feel quite emotional after reading this terrible news! A great player who never earnt the great money in today's game. Would probably be the most expensive defender on the planet at today's prices! Let's beat Brentford on Tuesday for Kevin, perhaps there will be a minutes applause on 64 mins? R I P Kevin
6

carlisleaway added 16:41 - Sep 16 There are not that many true Legends in football nowadays, but Kevin Beattie was a true legend. A very sad time for his family, club and supporters and as already said on this board we need to lift our team tomorrow. RIP Kevin, I am sure Sir Bobby will look after you.
2

bluearmy78 added 16:42 - Sep 16 Absolutely devastated after hearing this news, for me has to be the greatest Town player of all time. I'm guessing they'll be a minutes applause for him against Brentford, let's get Portman Road filled to the gunnels on Tuesday night for Kev & let's record our first win! RIP Kevin Beattie, True Town Legend! Gone but never forgotten! COYB
3

marinerswagepacket added 16:44 - Sep 16 R.I.P....Ipswich town legend .... very sad day for anyone who loves this football club ....😢😢
2

Chicago_Blue added 16:45 - Sep 16 Legend. True legend. The world has lot another great one. But will always be remembered and the legend will live on. RIP big man.
1

gt81 added 16:45 - Sep 16 R.I.P. Kevin, what we wouldn't give for players of your calibre today.
1

blueboy1981 added 16:47 - Sep 16 God Bless you Beat - Legends will never be greater than you. Condolences to Family, Friends, and Supporters, many of whom will be distraught right now. R.I.P. Kevin. A true legend, and great guy. Always remembered for what, and who, you were.
5

fatuncle added 16:48 - Sep 16 There was only one Kevin Beattie. "Hero" and "Legend" Rest in Peace.
1

cranky_old_tractor added 16:49 - Sep 16 Shocked and very sad to hear this news. Grew up watching this great man play. He will be deeply missed. RIP to the legend Mr Beattie. My thoughts to family and friends.
2

allezlesbleus added 16:49 - Sep 16 Great player. He must have loved the reception he got from the Town fans after the match in the San Siro. RIP Kevin.
1

oldblue added 16:52 - Sep 16 The saddest day of my footballing life ...Kevin Beattie was quite simply a true legend of the game. Who can forget seeing him carry the ball from the back with his long hair flowing in the wind..his prodigious ability to leap high and hang in the air..his pace in recovery ..his thunderbolt shooting and his pure strength .Kevin (The Beat) was also a true fans favourite ..he loved to please the crowd and identified with them. Sure he had problems off the field but he was indeed a lovely man..sometimes poorly advised and made the odd poor decision ..but don't we all at times..lets remember him as I do..as a great footballer and true Ipswich Town legend and fan... it was my honour to have witnessed watching him play from when he made his debut in 1972 ..he was and will remain my footballing hero ...I have shed tears for you Kevin you will never be forgotten.. Rest in Peace ..Bobby Robson will take care of you

10

SickParrot added 16:52 - Sep 16 Horrible news. Condolences to his family. He was definitely the greatest town player I have ever seen. He was quick and so strong in the tackle, great in the air with bullet headers, 2 footed and such a powerful shot. A true legend and a down to earth, lovely bloke. I had the honour to meet and chat with him on 2 occasions. Had it not been for his terrible luck with injuries he would have been an England legend aswell.

2

Fenblue added 16:53 - Sep 16 Sad sad day 😓
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RAH4 added 16:58 - Sep 16 Such sad news.Dad and I used to watch Town in the Beattie era and he rated him alongside Duncan Edwards as the best player he ever saw. Plus will always remember Gerry Harrison on Anglia commentating on a evening game. I think it was a home European game. Free kick ,outside the box, absolutely rocketed into the top corner. " Its there ,(or its in)...its three....its Beattie !" Thanks for so many memories !

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