CURRENT Ipswich Town footballers could rub shoulders with legends of yesteryear at a special Kevin Beattie nostalgia night in Clacton.

The event is taking place at The Royal on Tuesday, February 26.

It has been organised by Blues superfan Malcolm Thompson, in honour of great friend Beattie, who passed away in September, aged 64.

Town legend Paul Mariner is jetting in from America while others from the club's halcyon days are also expected to attend, including Brian Talbot and Eric Gates.

"Invitations have been sent out to the Ipswich playing squad, along with ex-players who are now part of the management staff at Colchester United," said Thompson.

"So hopefully we'll see some on the night.

"Kevin Painter, the darts player and a season-ticket holder, is attending and so is Sean Hedges-Quinn, who is making the statue of Kevin.

"Nearly 200 tickets have been bought or requested to collect on the night so there will be a great turnout.

"There will also be a bucket collection for the statue and a message book for fans to write their thoughts and memories, which will be presented to Kevin's family at the end of the night."

The all-ticket event, which is being sponsored by the Professional Footballers' Association, starts at 7pm prompt and doors will open at 6pm.

It is being hosted by Sky TV reporter Stuart Jarrold, who previously covered Town for Anglia TV.

Anglia's Donovan Blake will also be there on the night, filming for the next day's bulletins.

"Some footage of Kevin is being put together so we can play it on the TV before the event, while people are arriving and getting drinks," added Thompson.

"It should be a great night and supporters are welcome to wear their colours.

"I'd also like to stress that all football fans and autograph-hunters are welcome - not just Ipswich ones.

"We want to raise as much as possible and it's worth pointing out that we've got some amazing memorabilia up for grabs in our auction."

Tickets, which cost just £5 and include a fantastic souvenir programme, are available by contacting Thompson via malcolmthompson10@outlook.com or by phoning 07743 171773.

The auction will be cash and cheques only.

No card machine will be available.