Author Rob Finch has reprinted a small number of copies of The Greatest Footballer England Never Had: The Kevin Beattie Story, his 2006 biography of the Blues legend, who died aged 64 last month, following requests.

Rob told TWTD: “I was obviously very saddened by Beat's untimely passing, but was really pleased to see how much he was lauded in the press and how he was genuinely celebrated as one of the great footballers, not just for Ipswich Town but as a legitimate great of the English game full stop.”

Reflecting on his time with Beattie and at Town while writing the book, Rob added: “Beat was a character and it was lovely to hear his stories from tough times in Carlisle through to great games for Ipswich and England.

“I attended several Ipswich Town games and was really impressed by the homely atmosphere of the club. I was treated particularly well by Holly Bellingham, who was then a director of the club, and also by Duncan Foster, a businessman, who I believe also had some club involvement too.

“Terry Baxter, then the club’s head of media was very helpful, as was the late Bob Shelley, a friend of Beat's, who also treated me very well.

“The highlight was our trip to the 2008 UEFA Cup final when he got his medal after the petition I organised.

“We met Sir Alex Ferguson, Denis Law and Sir Trevor Brooking, to name a few. All clearly rated Beat highly which says everything.

“Michel Platini, then UEFA President and a great player himself, presented Beat with his medal and we also travelled with him to the game.

“He was very complimentary about Beat and the great Ipswich side who had thumped the St Etienne team he played in 7-2 on aggregate en route to the final. It was a great night and I was very pleased to see Beat get his well-deserved medal.”

The book is available from Amazon for £14.99 plus £2.80 postage, however, if ordered direct from Rob while mentioning TWTD he will throw in the postage for free. Email Rob via robfinch180@gmail.com and pay through Paypal.

A donation from sales will be made to the British Heart Foundation.

Photo: Action Images

Northstander_Blue added 18:19 - Oct 10 Shame Planet Blue are not going to be selling them
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Shineyblueknives added 18:50 - Oct 10 I was lucky enough to get my copy of the book signed by the great man whilst I was working at the BBC. Always a gent and always had time to chat to you. Greatly missed
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edwardburton added 19:37 - Oct 10 Pleased to say I'm one of the recipients of the new reprint. Glad to add it to his autobiography & looking forward to reading it. I was lucky enough to be a football-mad kid during Beattie's prime. Those Were indeed the Days ... RIP Kevin
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Daleyitfc added 19:37 - Oct 10 I also have a signed copy obtained at a Radio Suffolk open day : this was the time when my conversation with KB mainly consisted of me extolling the virtues of Allan Hunter, and him agreeing with me!
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Aussieblue added 20:02 - Oct 10 I have a signed original 😀
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1RWR added 10:29 - Oct 11 Just ordered my copy! That's my reading sorted for me hols! Another batch coming in a weeks time so I would get my name down if I were you.
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