Blues Legend Beattie Dies - Ipswich Town News
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.
What to read next:
Late Goal Denies Town Women Victory Over Runaway Leaders CharltonA late Gillian Kenney goal salvaged a point for WSL2 leaders Charlton and denied Ipswich Town Women their second home win of the season, the game ending 1-1, the Blues having been more than good for a point to extend their unbeaten league run to four games under interim-manager David Wright.
Loan Duo in England U20 SquadBlues loan duo Nelly Las and Ava Baker have been named in the England U20 squad for their training camp and friendlies in Spain from the end of the month.
Negri in England U23sTown Women’s keeper Natalia Negri has been named in the England U23s squad for their fixtures against France and the Netherlands next month.
Town Women Host Runaway Leaders CharltonIpswich Town Women host runaway WSL2 leaders Charlton Athletic in a rearranged fixture at the JobServe Community Stadium this evening (KO 7pm, live on YouTube).
U21s Exit Premier League Cup as Blackburn Come From Two Down to WinBlackburn Rovers U21s came from 2-0 down to beat their Town counterparts 3-2 after extra-time in their round-of-16 Premier League Cup tie at Portman Road this evening. The Blues were 2-0 up through Josh Lewis and Luca Fletcher but two goals from Osman Kamara either side of the break brought the Lancastrians back into it and they won it via an Aodhan Doherty penalty in the 115th minute.
Nsofor Makes Loan MoveAcademy forward Jackson Nsofor has joined Isthmian League North Division Redbridge on loan.
Thomas in Jamaica SquadTown Women’s striker Natasha Thomas has been named in the Jamaica squad for their World Cup qualifier next month.