Ed Sheeran realises 'dream' as superstar singer purchases ownership stake in beloved Ipswich Town ahead of Premier League return

Ahead of Ipswich's first Premier League game since 2002, Sheeran has announced that he has invested in the club. The popstar has acquired 1.4% of Ipswich, although he insists he is not a voting board member, and is merely putting some money into the coffers at Portman Road.

Sheeran, Ipswich say, will now have access to an executive box at Portman Road for use whenever he likes. The Shape Of You hit-maker is regularly spotted watching on at Ipswich and is likely to do the same this weekend when the Reds come to town.

Sheeran said in a statement: "It’s any football fan’s dream to be an owner of the club they support, and I feel so grateful for this opportunity.

"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!"

Portman Road will surely be rocking when Ipswich kick off a Premier League game for the first time in over 20 years on Saturday. They play Liverpool in the day's early kick-off.