Wrexham player compares Ed Sheeran to Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in bizarre podcast dig

Wrexham forward Ollie Palmer has come under fire after he compared Ed Sheeran's involvement with Ipswich Town to the efforts of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

Palmer, 31, spoke to teammate Ben Foster about the subject of Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's ownership on the Fozcast podcast when Sheeran was bizarrely brought into the conversation.

The former Crawley Town striker suggested that the musician, who has been Ipswich Town's shirt sponsor since the start of the 2021/22 season, was the club's owner for 'six or seven years'.

He also played down Sheeran's contribution to Ipswich compared to the impact made by Wrexham's Hollywood owners.

Palmer said: "There are names as big as them that own football clubs, lower league - Ed Sheeran. I don't know what his share is but he's a part owner. Has he done what these two guys have done? Nowhere near."

He added: "How long has Ed Sheeran been there? Six years? Seven years? He's as big as Ryan and Rob right, Ed Sheeran is huge. I'm putting Ed Sheeran up there.

"I'll ask you, has Ed Sheeran done as much for Ipswich as Rob and Ryan has done? It's not easy what they're doing, they make it look easy."

Foster went on to back Ipswich for getting promoted to the Championship this season but nobody questioned Palmer's claims, even when they were factually incorrect.

Ipswich defender Luke Woolfenden, who has made 47 appearances for the Tractor Boys this season, responded to the viral moment, saying: "What a weird thing to make up."

Here's how others on social media reacted to Palmer's comments.

One said: "Disappointing from Palmer throwing shade on Ed Sheeran compared to Rob/Ryan. 'What has he done for Ipswich.' He's a sponsor not an owner. The owners do amazing stuff in the community and his money greatly helps that. Misinformed unfortunately."

A second wrote: "There were 50,000 Ipswich shirts sold all around the globe with Ed Sheeran's SPONSORSHIP on them this season. He's never been an owner. If those two Hollywood stars want to chuck their money around that's up to them but don't compare yourselves to other clubs without research."

A third added: "Very daft mistake but VERY funny how fuming people are."

Sheeran, who is a lifelong supporter of Ipswich Town, has sponsored the men’s and women’s team since 2021.

The front-of-shirt sponsorship deal was renewed ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

“I am delighted to be sponsoring Ipswich Town for another season," Sheeran said back in June. “The club and the local community mean a lot to me, and I always try to get back to Portman Road whenever I’m back in Suffolk."

Mark Ashton, the club's CEO, added: “It is fantastic that Ed has agreed to continue his sponsorship of the first-team shirts.

“Ed is a passionate fan of the Club and the community of Suffolk. We will continue to work with him and his team to build what is already a strong and exciting relationship.

“We are grateful for his continued support, and we look forward to welcoming him to Portman Road again soon.”