Ipswich Town legend Kevin Beattie says the Blues squad will have done plenty of soul-searching this week, after labelling the 6-1 friendly defeat at League One Charlton Athletic a disgrace.

Punters moved quickly to tip the Blues for relegation from the Championship, following the hammering at The Valley, and Mick McCarthy’s men will look to prove them wrong, starting at home to Birmingham City on Saturday.

Town kicked off last season with a 4-2 win at home to Barnsley, a victory that saw the form book thrown out of the window, following a dismal home defeat to second-tier Belgian side Union Saint Gilloise, a week before the campaign began.

There is no reason Town cannot prove people wrong again and Beattie is hoping McCarthy’s men give the long-suffering Ipswich faithful something to cheer about on Saturday.

“The players have got to look at themselves in the mirror as that defeat was a disgrace,” said Beattie.

“Never ever, in my era, were we beaten 6-1. Yes we would lose by the odd goal, but 6-1 is ridiculous.

“There should be a good crowd at Portman Road, there always is on the opening day, and the supporters have got to get behind the players.

“Likewise though, the players have got to give the fans something to shout about and come out fighting.

“They are coming up against Birmingham City and a shrewd old fox in Harry Redknapp. They have go to be strong, they have got to want it and they need to show they mean business from the off.”

Despite Town’s woes at the weekend, Beattie believes Ipswich do not need to strengthen in defence and feels it’s further forwards where the Blues could do with a new face.

“We have got the players to sort it out defensively,” Beattie added.

“I think we could do with one more midfielder but crazy money is being thrown around for players at the moment.

“We have got some decent kids at the club and I am sure they wouldn’t let Mick McCarthy down if they were given a chance.”

Town were linked with Huddersfield forward Harry Bunn yesterday and were reportedly weighing up a £600,000 bid for the 24-year-old, who can also play out wide.

The 5ft 9ins forward prefers to play on the left but can operate in central midfield or behind a striker.