Born In Carlisle, Beattie joined ipswich town in july 1971, making his senior debut in august 1972. At ipswich, was the 1973–74 pfa young player of the year (the very first winner of the award), and he also won the fa cup in 1978 and the uefa cup in 1981. He received his 1981 uefa cup winners medal in 2008, following a petition organised by rob finch, the ghostwriter of 's autobiography, after he had missed the final due to injury.

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