IPSWICH Town superfan Malcolm Thompson is arranging an emotional night of nostalgia and fundraising to honour iconic defender Kevin Beattie.

The former England centre-half died suddenly last month, aged just 64.

Clacton-based Thompson became good friends with his idol, who he used to watch from the terraces at Portman Road.

And with the help of sponsors, he is hoping to put on a special evening in his hometown on what would have been Beattie's birthday - December 18.

"Kevin was a powerhouse defender - a cracking tackler, fast on the ground and an awesome header of the ball," said Thompson, who has supported Town for half-a-century and is now 56.

"He was the greatest-ever player to have graced the blue shirt of Ipswich.

"I used to stand behind the home brick dugout as my late father made me a metal stool and every home game while Sir Bobby (Robson) sat in the dugout, his number two, Cyril Lea, always asked me the same question - are we going to win today?

"He was my childhood hero, even though he wasn't a player.

"Then the big man caught my eye - his name being Kevin Beattie.

"He soon became my favourite player and watching him from the terraces, I didn’t know then that my hero was soon to become a very good friend.

"When I started an independent supporters' club in Haverhill many moons back, I put an appeal out on BBC Radio Suffolk for Kevin to contact me as I wanted him to become president of my club. When he text me, I was like a child at Christmas.

"I moved to Clacton seven years ago and even then Kevin and I have had many a good time and I've joined him at many functions. The friendship become very strong."

Thompson admits the news of Beattie's death was hard to take but now he is channelling his efforts into arranging an evening that his friend would be proud of, with all proceeds going to the former defender's wife, Maggie.

"I don’t mind admitting his passing hit me hard, because he felt like a family member," he said.

"That's why I want to say goodbye my way, by doing an special evening called A Night to Remember Kevin Beattie.

"Clacton has a lot of Town fans and it should attract a big audience on December 18 - Kevin’s birthday.

"I'll have ex-players talking about his career and then a big raffle and auction to help raise funds for his wife, Maggie, who sadly suffers from MS.

"Not only did she lose her dear husband but her carer, too.

"I've had some great donations for prizes but I need a sponsor - someone to put the icing on the cake.

"I'm appealing for any fan who runs a company or can ask their boss if they would like to sponsor the event.

"In return they will receive good publicity, so it will be worth the expenditure."

There will also be a souvenir programme thanks to Clacton Printers.

To make contact with Malcolm, email malcolmthompson10@outlook.com