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Blues Legend Beattie Celebrates His 60th Birthday Wednesday, 18th Dec 2013 10:32
Kevin Beattie, the man widely considered Town’s greatest ever player, celebrates his 60th birthday today.
Carlisle-born Beattie made 296 starts and 11 sub appearances for the Blues between 1972 and 1981, scoring 32 goals, having come through the club's youth system.
He also won nine full England caps, scoring once, and spent time with Middlesbrough and Colchester in a career which was cut short by injury.
In his 2005 autobiography Farewell But Not Goodbye Beattie’s mentor Sir Bobby Robson outlined what made him such a great player: “We discovered Kevin Beattie in the autumn of 1970. He had everything. What a left foot he had.
“He could crack a ball 60 yards from a defensive midfield position to outside-right. A pass like that could change a game.
“He was a big tackler, and nobody could get near him in the air. At Everton, he once scored from above the crossbar. He jumped so high he could have seen the town clock and told you the time.
“Nobody, but nobody, could outrun him. He would give opponents a half-yard start on purpose to trick them into thinking they could out-sprint him.
"He would invite the pass down the gully and then outrun the intended recipient. Kevin and Allan Hunter were a fantastic central-defensive pairing.
“George Best aside, I rate Kevin Beattie as the best player these islands produced in 25 years. George was special, as were Bobby Charlton and Denis Law from the same era. Duncan Edwards was colossal, strong and a destroyer, but Beattie had pace as well. He just had pure natural ability.”
Leave your birthday wishes below and we’ll pass them on to him. Also add your favourite memories of Beattie’s career and be sure to listen to a special Life’s a Pitch - on which Beat is the legend in residence - on Radio Suffolk on Saturday (midday to 2pm).
Just spoke to Beat, only just been able to get hold of him as his phone's been constantly engaged, and he thanks everyone for their good wishes. Phil.
Photo: Action Images
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Happy Birthday Big Guy! My hero in the 70s when i stood on a beer crate on the corner of the west and north stands and still my hero today. So many happy memories: very few current players fit to lace your boots....good luck
Happy birthday Kevin. Bill Shankly said he's biggest mistake was not signing you for Liverpool.
Too many memories of your majestic talent but I remember the goal at Everton and the height you reached for that header and the goal from inside the Ipswich half against Leeds.
Happy birthday Beat. What a privilege to have been growing up watching you and that team. SBR signed his 2005 book for me "Those were the days". He said they will never happen again. Regrettably I think he was right. Thanks for 'walking on water'!
As many others have said already... you were the greatest talent I ever had the privilege of watching. So strong, so fast and so determined. The word 'Legend' hardly does you justice. A true colossus for us, the like of which I doubt we'll see again in a Town shirt. Have a very Happy Birthday.
I vividly remember Kevin's debut on the opening game of the 1972/3 season at Old Trafford. I was with 3 collegues from work and we went into the Trafford pub just up the road from the ground before the game and I sank about 6 large lights! Having probably drunk 3 pints too many, we were standing behind the goal opposite the Stretford End and I shouted out 'George Best is a w****r! there was a sudden movement by my side and I was punched in the face by a 'Mixed race hunchback' guy! Within seconds two policeman had grabbed him and marched him away. This incident didnt in anyway spoil my day, we won 2 - 1 with goals from Trevor Whymark and Bryan Hamilton. Denis Law pulled on back for them. Kevin played brilliantly at left back and nearly scored with a header. Neither George Best or Willie Morgan the United wingers that day could be him at all and she could see what a collosus he was going to be. Great memories!
A truly incredible player You always felt sure ITFC were going to win when we was fit In the mid 70's I think we averaged about 28,000 a match and Portman Road absolutely rocked.... Kevin Beattie was one of the main reasons for this Thank you, and have a very Happy Birthday
The legendary player of ITFC. Should have played so much more for England. As with a number of the other messages, I had the pleasure of watching the great Beat and will always remember a free kick taken against Bohemians Prague for ITFC -
And I have a fun feeling Beat scored a goal from over the half way line against Leeds United at Portman Road back in the 70's, which I'm sure I had the pleasure of seeing as well.
How we could with a Kevin Beattie at the moment….Happy Birthday Beats!
The Beat would often turn up in the Sporting Farmer after the game, have a few beers & grab a copy of the Green-un to read how he had played.......legend!!
Happy Birthday Kevin and thanks for so many wonderful memories. I look at the current England team's central defensive options and know without a shadow of a doubt that you would be the first name pencilled in for the squad for Brazil if you were in your prime today. Hope you have a fantastic day.
Happy 60th you true legend! Being American our family was based at RAF Bentwaters and I visited Portman Road for the first time with my Dad in 1974. Your presence on the pitch caught my eye and got me hooked. I've not seen anyone since that comes close to the abilities you possessed. I am truly blessed that I was able to watch you for a good part of three season. Enjoy your day!
Kevin - I can honestly say that I love you. You and the rest of the legends from that great team made my childhood very special. I was so proud to support Ipswich. I am glad that they eventually awarded you the UEFA Cup winners medal as you deserved it. Crikey, those really were the days!
Always the biggest cheer when his name was announced on the team sheet especially if he had missed a couple of matches. Never forget his awesome performance the night we beat Man U 6-0 at portmant road. The best I have seen in so many ways strength, power, energy, could shoot fantastic in the air skiful and could terrorise defenders when charged forward, have a fantastic birthday wish I could reminisce with you.
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