IF Ipswich Town fail to beat high-flying Newcastle United in front of the Match of the Day cameras on Saturday they will have made their worst-ever start to a league campaign.

IF Ipswich Town fail to beat high-flying Newcastle United in front of the Match of the Day cameras on Saturday they will have made their worst-ever start to a league campaign.

Older fans will recall the dark days of the 1964/65 Second Division season, when Jackie Milburn's side took just three points, courtesy of three draws, from their opening eight matches.

The winless run ended in the next match, ironically against opponents from the North-East in the shape of Middlesbrough.

Later that season Milburn, a Magpies' legend in his playing days, parted company with the Portman Road club.

Town fans will, however, take comfort from the team's finish that season. The club ended the campaign in fifth place, and such a feat this team would see Roy Keane's men claim a coveted play-off place.