91Èȱ¬

Singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran has acquired a minority stake in Premier League club Ipswich Town.

Sheeran, who is a lifelong fan of the Tractor Boys, has bought a 1.4% stake in the newly promoted side.

Ipswich say Sheeran will have long-term use of an executive box at their Portman Road home, but will not join the club's board as his investment is only "passive and minority".

Sheeran, who has been Town's main shirt sponsor since 2021, has also designed the club's Suffolk-inspired third kit.

"It’s any football fan’s dream to be an owner of the club they support, and I feel so grateful for this opportunity," said the 33-year-old.

"I have 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 and protected.

"It’s such a joy to be a fan of Ipswich Town. There are ups and downs but football is all about taking the highs and the lows. I'm not a voting shareholder or a board member, this is just me putting some money into the club I love and them returning the gesture, so please don’t get onto me with signing suggestions or tactics to play.

"I'm excited for the Premier League to start this weekend. Let’s go!"

Ipswich chairman Mark Ashton added: "The support Ed and his team have shown us over the last three years has been nothing short of remarkable and for him to make this investment feels like the natural progression in our relationship.

"For one of the biggest artists in the world 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, highlights just what makes this relationship such a special one."

However, one new addition to the board of directors is ex-Ipswich captain Matt Holland, 50, who played for the club between 1997 and 2003.

Ipswich begin their Premier League campaign at home to Liverpool on Saturday (12:30 BST).