He’s been a shirt sponsor since 2021, but this summer Ed Sheeran’s affection for Ipswich Town has reached a new level: the pop giant now holds a minority stake in his favorite club.
Anyone who watched Ipswich Town games during the promotion season regularly saw Ed Sheeran pop in. The 33-year-old musician from Halifax is a loyal supporter of the Tractor Boys – and was delighted to see them return to the Premier League last May.
Ipswich will now play in England’s top division for at least one season. Which may be why Sheeran has decided to support “his” club even more actively. After all, the pop giant has already been a shirt sponsor of the men’s and women’s teams since 2021.
Since Thursday, however, he has officially held a minority stake in Ipswich Town. “His total shareholding in the club is 1.4 per cent, as part of the agreement Ed will also have long-term use of a box at Portman Road which he personalized ahead of the 2024/25 season,” writes the Premier League promoted club, adding: ‘Ed will not join the board as it is a passive minority shareholding. ’
Sheeran was also expressly concerned about this. “I’m not a voting shareholder or board member, I’m just putting some money into the club I love and the club is returning the gesture, so please don’t come to me with suggestions for new signings or playing tactics,” he explained humorously.
He was simply happy “to have acquired a small share in the soccer club in my home town. It’s every soccer fan’s dream to own the club they support and I’m very grateful for the opportunity. I’ve lived in Suffolk since I was three years old and while I travel the world and sometimes feel like an outsider in big cities, Suffolk and Ipswich have always made me feel part of the community.”
As an Ipswich Town fan, Sheeran has been through a lot. Which is why he says: “There are ups and downs, but soccer is about enduring the ups and downs. ”
Ashton: “It underlines what makes this relationship so special ”
Chairman Mark Ashton spoke of an “incredibly proud day for the club”. “The support Ed and his team have given us over the last three years has been nothing short of remarkable, and for him to make this investment in the club is the natural progression of our relationship,” said the 52-year-old: ”For one of the world’s greatest artists to give us so much of his time and give the club such incredible exposure around the world, while asking for very little in return, underlines what makes this relationship so special.”
Those responsible already have the right “gift” ready. On Saturday the Tractor Boys kick off their Premier League adventure with a home game against the great Liverpool FC.
