THOSE old enough to remember may be able to picture American entrepreneur Victor Kiam announcing “I was so impressed, I bought the company” some years ago.

THOSE old enough to remember may be able to picture American entrepreneur Victor Kiam announcing “I was so impressed, I bought the company” some years ago.

That's pretty much what's happened to the Ipswich Cardinals American football team.

Former NFL player and Sky sports pundit Ian Allen held a training camp in Ipswich back in late 2007, and he was so impressed he is now officially the co-owner.

While not actually putting any money into the club, the former Eagles, Giants and Cardinals right tackle has struck up a deal with the current owner Ralph Alexander to co-own the team.

Allen will be in England during the last week of March, to assess his new team, and to see which areas of the organisation he can help the most.

Alexander will remain in complete control of the day to day operation of the club, while Allen seeks to promote the name and increase awareness of the level of interest in the sport both in the UK and the US.

“Along with my off-field activity with NFL Network and Sky Sports, the Ipswich Cardinals are the most important project I am involved in”, the new co-owner said.

“My intention is to make Ipswich the best team, the most successful team, and I will use all my NFL experience and contacts to make sure this happens over the next few years”

There is always space on the Ipswich roster though and any new players, coaches, or helpers should either contact Francis on 07799458357 or Alexander 01473 410887 or log on to www.ipswichcardinals.co.uk