But he never made the grade at SJP, despite Ipswich fans raving about him, and obviously he was a big fish in a small pond at Portman Road.
But he's back in the headlines ...
Neil Warnock backed Darren Ambrose to stay on the goal trail after the midfielder's second-half double ensured Crystal Palace squeezed past minnows Torquay 2-1 in the Carling Cup.
Ambrose, who once cost Newcastle £1million but was released by relegated Charlton this summer, scored twice in the second half with a header and a penalty either side of Tim Sills' leveller.
"Darren was not at his best tonight but his contribution has won us the game," said Palace boss Warnock.
"You can see the quality he has got, and I think these will be the first headlines of many for him."
Sadly, not many were present to see Ambrose's first goals in Palace colours with the Eagles faithful staying away in their droves and two stands of Selhurst Park not even open.