Not all that many locally-born players have hit the heights for Town, writes editor Terry Hunt as he reveals the next Super Blues top 10.

But there are some notable exceptions, he adds. And here they are.

Geoff Hammond

Local boy who was a dogged and determined full-back for Town just before things really took off for Robson and co. Hammond was often a quarter of the following no-nonsense back four: Hammond, Bell, Jefferson, Mills. Forwards – you have been warned (with apologies to Millsy)

Colin Harper

Cultured left-back who played for his home town club in the late 1960 and early 1970s. Sadly for Harper, just as his career was blossoming and the glory years arrived, a serious and persistent knee injury ended his career prematurely.

Kieron Dyer

What a player he was as a kid. Born little more than a goal-kick away from Portman Road, Dyer burst on to the scene as an incredibly exciting young talent. After moving away, injuries took their toll and he never really fulfilled his potential.

Luke Hyam

Hyam came through the ranks from Northgate High School and has now firmly established himself in the first team squad. Hard-working, no frills, get stuck in. The fans love him as “one of our own.’’

John Miller

Suffolk boy who flitted in and out of the first team before doing the unthinkable and joining Norwich. He then came back to Portman Road and scored two goals which knocked his former team-mates out of the League Cup.

Roger Osborne

The most famous of them all. Roger’s family, from Otley, hired a coach to go and watch him play in the FA Cup final. It was well worth it – he scored the most famous goal in Ipswich Town’s history to win the cup.

Ted Phillips

Ted, who came from Gromford, near Snape, famously turned down Ipswich at first because his labouring job paid better. Thank goodness he changed his mind. Part of a fearsome goalscoring partnership with Crawford. Reputedly had the hardest shot in the game.

Brian Talbot

Nicknamed “Noddy’’ because of his distinctive running style, the former Tower Ramparts schoolboy provided the hard work in midfield for Robson’s first great side. Later moved on to Arsenal, and won England caps.

Ed Upson

Although Upson left Portman Road while still very young, he will always be remembered as the boy from Bury St Edmunds who scored the winning goal in the 2005 FA Youth Cup Final against star-studded Southampton.

Richard Wright

Wright’s best days were at Portman Road as a young keeper. Once he moved away to Arsenal and subsequently other big clubs, he spent most of his time on the bench.

Each day over the 12 Days of Christmas, Terry Hunt will bring you a new top 10. Log on for the daily instalment.