English club Ipswich Town may have fallen on hard times but they are hoping a new shirt sponsorship deal with singer Ed Sheeran will turn things around.
Ipswich, nicknamed 'The Tractor Boys', were FA Cup winners in 1978 and won the Uefa Cup, forerunner of the Europa League, in 1981 but now find themselves in the third-tier League One.
The one season deal with singer/songwriter Sheeran, who lives near Ipswich and is a fan of the team, will see a logo featuring mathematical symbols (plus, minus, equals, divide, multiply) and the word TOUR, on the club's blue shirts.
The symbols refer to Sheeran album titles and while the singer has not explained the logo, it may be part of a promotion for an upcoming tour.
"All will be revealed in time," Sheeran, 30, told the Suffolk club's website. “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," the Grammy winner added.
Sheeran joins an elite list of musical artists who have sponsored football teams, including Wet Wet Wet, Def Leppard and the Super Furry Animals.
Ipswich are set for a third season in League One after a disappointing campaign, but were recently taken over by an American consortium.
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Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
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