Ipswich Town chairman Mark Ashton has revealed how Ed Sheeran, the club’s part-owner and popstar, played a key role in securing Liam Delap’s signature last summer.
Fresh off their return to the Premier League after 22 years, Ipswich needed attacking reinforcements. Delap, who had impressed on loan at Hull City, was a top target, but competition for his signing was fierce.
To gain an edge, Ashton turned to Sheeran. Speaking on the Men in Blazers podcast alongside the singer, Ashton recalled a pivotal FaceTime call. As it happened, Sheeran was moments away from going on stage with Taylor Swift, but he still took the call.
“Ed answered, and he was two minutes from stepping on stage with Taylor Swift. We couldn’t believe it,” Ashton said. “Less than a minute later, Delap’s name was on the contract. Thanks for that, mate!”
A lifelong Ipswich fan, Sheeran has sponsored the club’s shirts since 2021 and became a minority owner in 2024. He frequently attends matches and even celebrated promotion last season with the players at a local sports bar.
Sheeran admitted he gets more nervous watching Ipswich than performing with superstars. “In the Premier League, there’s no easy game,” he said. “The wins, losses, and draws hit differently when you’re really part of it.”
Delap has since been a standout performer, netting 10 goals in 28 league games. However, with Ipswich nine points from safety, his future remains uncertain. If relegation looms, Sheeran may need to work his magic again to keep the striker at Portman Road.
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