Ipswich Town’s recent promotion to the Premier League was marked by a memorable celebration featuring singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran singing alongside the victorious football team. The occasion followed Ipswich’s convincing 3-0 win over Queens Park Rangers (QPR) at Portman Road, securing their return to England’s top football division after a long wait.
Ed Sheeran, who became a minority stakeholder in Ipswich Town Football Club in 2024, joined the players in the dressing room after the final whistle. A video shared on the club’s official social media channels captured the moment as Sheeran, holding a pint of Guinness, invited the players and manager Kieran McKenna to sing his 2011 hit “The A Team” together. The players happily obliged, creating an intimate and joyful scene of camaraderie and shared triumph.
The celebration was a vivid display of unity between the club’s squad, management, and fans. Ipswich Town supporters flooded onto the pitch at the 38,000-capacity stadium following the match, chanting and lighting flares to mark the historic achievement. This atmosphere of excitement was complemented by scenes inside the dressing room, where players danced on benches, sang along to various songs including Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You,” and toasted with champagne and beer.
Manager Kieran McKenna was at the heart of the celebrations, eventually donning a “Promoted 26” shirt alongside his team. The Northern Irish coach’s leadership has been instrumental in Ipswich’s success, sparking interest from Premier League clubs for his talents. The joyous mood extended beyond the stadium as players boarded their team bus to continue festivities with fans waiting in town, where chants and cheers echoed late into the evening.
Ed Sheeran’s presence added a special layer to the event given his strong connection with Ipswich Town as both a fan and part-owner. Known worldwide for hits such as “Shape of You” and “Thinking Out Loud,” Sheeran has amassed 14 UK number one singles and nine UK number one albums. His latest album, “Play,” was released just last September. His participation in this football milestone highlights how music and sport can come together to celebrate local pride and success.
The Tractor Boys’ promotion ended months of hard work and resilience. The team dominated their final match with early goals from George Hirst and Jaden Philogene setting the tone within the first ten minutes. Kasey McAteer added a third goal late on to seal an emphatic victory. Fans responded with full-scale pitch invasions and jubilant chants like “We are going up,” which resonated deeply throughout Suffolk.
In addition to Sheeran’s singing, former Manchester United star Ashley Young was spotted celebrating with champagne in the dressing room despite having ended his playing season early due to injury. The celebrations showcased not only sporting success but also a sense of community reuniting around Ipswich Town after years outside the top flight.
This remarkable moment for Ipswich Town fans marks a new chapter filled with anticipation as they prepare to face some of English football’s biggest clubs next season. For now, memories of Ed Sheeran leading “The A Team” with players in song will remain an unforgettable highlight of their promotion journey.
