Former Town and Sunderland striker Eric Gates says that Blues set the standard for the other clubs in the Coca-Cola Championship.

Gates, who was capped by England while plying his trade at Portman Road and was a key component of the team that conquered Europe in 1981, still follows the fortunes of the Club despite now living in his native north east.

He spent 15 years at Town before joining Sunderland and was at the Stadium of Light to watch the two clubs in action on Sunday.

"I still follow Ipswich's fortunes and every club in this division looks them as the benchmark because they have set such high standards in everything they do," Gates told the Club website.

    Gates in action in the UEFA Cup
           Final first-leg v Alkmaar

"If you're on a par with Ipswich you know that you won't be far off achieving the right level.

"The best years of my life were spent at Portman Road, playing with so many great players.

"There were so many special games as well and everyone picks out the European nights but for me, some were a nightmare because it meant we had to fly to away matches and I'm absolutely terrified of flying.

"In fact I haven't been on a plane since I left Ipswich!"

Gates, who has worked for Sunderland's Academy, is now heavily involved in the media scene in the north east and together with former Newcastle and England striker Malcolm Macdonald and ex-Middlesbrough and Republic of Ireland international Bernie Slaven, he presents a Monday to Friday two hour show on Century FM radio called 'The Three Legends'.

"It's very popular and we are averaging at 100,000 listeners," says Gates.

"It means I can follow Sunderland as well and I'm already looking forward to the return fixture at Ipswich later in the season."