Ed Sheeran convinced fan to sign for Ipswich moments before joining Taylor Swift on stage
Ed Sheeran convinced a top signing to join Ipswich this summer by speaking to him moments before joining Taylor Swift on stage.
Sheeran is a global megastar who grew up in Suffolk as a big supporter of the Tractor Boys.
As well as living his dream as one of the world's biggest musicians, Sheeran is now also formally part of the Premier League's newcomers.
After first linking up with the club as a front-of-shirt sponsor, Sheeran now now a minority shareholder in the club after acquiring a 1.4 percent stake.
The pop star has long-term use of an executive box in Portman Road, however he is not on the board, and the deal is described as “a passive and minority investment only”.
But Sheeran's interest is anything but passive after playing a key role in one of Kieran McKennaThe summer signings ahead of their return to the top flight.
Speaking at Soccerex in Miami, Florida, Ipswich CEO Mark Ashton said: “He is a local man, a global superstar, a football club sponsor and shareholder and now officially part of our recruitment team!
“In the summer we were trying to convince a particular player to join the football club and we quickly realized that he was a Ed Sheeran fan.
“Ed did a zoom call with him at training camp right before he went on stage with Taylor Swift and I hope that was a key part of getting the player over the line.”
While Ashton did not want to name the player, he hinted that it was Liam Delap, saying: “He's certainly scoring some goals!”
Delap joined from city of manchester over the summer and has scored six goals in 11 Premier League games for the Tractor Boys.
If he was the one Sheeran helped sign, then he could prove to be the signing of the season.
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Ipswich majority owner Ed Schwarz added: “When people used to say Ed they were talking about me, but now they're talking about Ed Sheeran and that's okay, that's a good thing.
“Ed is an incredible asset to the club and when he says 'what can I do to help?' He means it and the recruiting story is just one of the many behind-the-scenes things he's really a part of.
“While other clubs may have what I call 'vanity celebrities' involved, he really cares and is really involved and we are blessed to have him. “It is an honor.”
Ashton continued: “There is authenticity to Ed’s involvement with the club at all levels.
“He is a local man who supports his local community and we are proud to have him on board.
“We have moved from the third tier of English football to the Premier League, but we have not forgotten our roots and Ed is a key part of them.
“The work we do in the local community is essential to us.”
