In what is sure to be one of the weirder stories of the day, musician Ed Sheehan has been named as the new front of shirt sponsor for Ipswich Town, having signed a one-year deal to sponsor the shirts of the men's and women's first-teams.
OK, so straight off the bat we’re going to disappoint you here… The sponsor is not set to be the ginger vocal wizard’s nonce just slapped front and centre. That would be amazing. But alas, no, what will actually be appearing on the Tractor Boys’ shirts from the start of the 21/22 season is a selection of mathematical symbols, with the word ‘Tour’ appearing underneath. No prizes for guessing that this is likely to be advertising an upcoming tour. "All will be revealed in time,” Sheeran commented when asked about the logo. You teasing rascal, Ed.
Sheeran is an Ipswich Town fan and a favourite son of Suffolk. The Shape of You star's record-breaking Divide tour concluded in front of 160,000 people over four nights at Chantry Park, Ipswich, in August 2019 – with a special Ipswich Town shirt sold to mark the event.
On being announced as the club's new sponsor, Sheeran said: "The football club is a big part of the local community and this is my way of showing my support. I have always enjoyed my trips to Portman Road and I'm looking forward to going back there as soon as supporters are allowed into stadiums again."
Town's director of sales, Rosie Richardson, added: "We are obviously thrilled that Ed has agreed to become our shirt sponsor next season. I have worked with Ed and his management team on various initiatives over the years and welcomed Ed and his guests to Portman Road for many games. He has shown his support for his hometown in lots of ways and this is another example of that. We look forward to seeing Ed – and every other supporter – back at Portman Road next season."
Didn't see that one coming, did you?
