US tycoon delights tiny team

But instead, the chairman of the Rich Products Corporation, chose the unfashionable Northumberland side from the ninth tier of English football.

The 69-year-old tycoon got involved after tracing his family back to the area. His wife bought him the title Lord of Bedlington and on further investigation he became interested in the Terriers.

The American has become a shirt sponsor, has put in an undisclosed amount of cash, and gone some way to buck the image of the unpopular transatlantic owner by keeping his feet on the ground with his ambitions.

He said: "I haven't made any promises. Having said that, I would love to see them do well and let them challenge me to increase our participation."

For the time being, officials at the Northern League club aim to get promotion to the same level as local rivals Blyth Spartans, four tiers above them.

Life for the Bedlington players is a world away from the Premiership, as all have full-time jobs and are only paid expenses.