Ed Sheeran persuaded one major 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 also now formally part of the Premier League newcomers.
Having first linked up with the club as a front-of-shirt sponsor, Sheeran is now a minority shareholder in the club after acquiring a 1.4 per cent stake.
The pop star has long-term use of an executive box at Portman Road, however he is not on the board, with the arrangement 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 McKenna‘s summer signings ahead of their return to the top flight.
Speaking at Soccerex in Miami, Florida, Ipswich CEO Mark Ashton said: “He’s a local man, a global superstar, sponsor of the football club and a shareholder and now officially a part of our recruitment team!
“In the summer we were trying to persuade one particular player to join the football club and realised very quickly that he was an Ed Sheeran fan.
“Ed jumped on a zoom call with him at the training ground just before he stepped on stage with Taylor Swift and hopefully that was a key part in getting the player over the line.”
While Ashton wouldn’t name the player, he dropped a pretty big hint that it was Liam Delap by saying: “He’s certainly scoring a few goals!”
Delap joined from Manchester City over the summer and has gone on to score six goals in 11 Premier League appearances for the Tractor Boys.
If it was him who Sheeran helped to sign, then it could prove to be their signing of the season.
Ipswich’s 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’s an incredible asset for the club and when he says ‘what can I do to help’ he means it and the recruitment story is just one of many behind the scenes where he really is a part of us.
“While other clubs might have what I call ‘vanity celebs’ involved, he really cares and h’s really involved and we’re blessed to have him. It’s an honour.”
Ashton continued: “There’s an authenticity around Ed’s involvement with the club at all levels.
“He’s a local man who supports his local community and we’re proud to have him on board.
“We’ve gone from the third tier of English football to the Premier League but we haven’t forgotten our roots and Ed’s a key part of that.
“The work that we do in the local community is essential to us.”