IPSWICH Town legend Kevin Beattie has died of a suspected heart attack, aged 64.

The former defender, who passed away at home early on Sunday, also had a short stay at Colchester United and enjoyed spells playing non-league football for Harwich and Parkeston and Clacton Town.

Beattie played for Sir Bobby Robson's Ipswich during their most successful era and is widely regarded as the club's greatest-ever player, helping them win the 1978 FA Cup and 1981 UEFA Cup.

He was also a PFA Young Player of the Year and won nine caps for England.

Gazette: Kevin Beattie

However, his career was plagued by injury and all but ended at the age of 28, when he left Ipswich.

He later went on to join Colchester after then-boss Allan Hunter persuaded him to step out of retirement on a non-contract basis.

Beattie made seven appearances - six starts and one from the bench - during his time at Layer Road in autumn 1982.

He then made a handful of appearances for Harwich and Clacton.

There will be a minute’s applause before Tuesday’s Championship game between Ipswich and Brentford at Portman Road.

The players will also wear black armbands.