Mark Ashton, chief executive of Ipswich Town, has revealed that Ed Sheeran used his global celebrity to play a role in the Suffolk football club’s summer transfer business.

The 33-year-old singer-songwriter is a long-time Tractor Boys fan and has been a shirt sponsor for both the men’s and women’s teams since 2021 before acquiring a minority stake in the club in August.

However, Sheeran has also found a new role at the Premier League club, with Ashton revealing he helped recruit a player after joining a Zoom call with the potential signing.

“This summer we were trying to persuade one player in particular to join the football club and we quickly realized he was an Ed Sheeran fan.

“Ed took a Zoom call with him at the training ground right before he went on stage with Taylor Swift, I hope that was a key.
part of getting the player over the line.

“We have moved from the third tier of English football to the Premier League, but we have not forgotten our roots and Ed plays a key role in that. The work we do in our local communities is at the heart of our concerns.”

Asked if the player involved in the call was doing well for Ipswich, Ashton replied: “Definitely scored a few goals!”

Sheeran was in the crowd as the club secured their first Premier League win of the season at Tottenham on November 10.

The team, currently 17th in the table, will face Manchester United on Sunday.