Billy Sharp comes out of retirement to join Rushden

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 2 Nov, 11:28 · Archive

Former Sheffield United and Doncaster Rovers striker Billy Sharp has come out of retirement to join Northern Premier League side AFC Rushden & Diamonds.

Billy Sharp has come out of retirement to join Northern Premier League side AFC Rushden & Diamonds on a short-term deal. The 40-year-old announced his retirement last month following the conclusion of his contract with Doncaster Rovers at the end of summer, but has returned to play for the club as they prepare for their FA Cup first round match against Burton Albion.

Sharp previously played for Rushden in 2005, when he joined on loan from Sheffield United. He scored nine goals in 16 appearances during that spell. He went on to score 290 more goals across his senior career.

For Sheffield United, Sharp scored 129 goals across 377 appearances. At Doncaster Rovers, he played in 45 matches last season across all competitions and scored 14 goals.

Rushden & Diamonds will make the trip to Burton Albion on Saturday at 15:00 GMT. Should Sharp feature in the match, it will mark his 814th professional appearance of his career.

The match will also be significant for Rushden & Diamonds, marking the first time the club have played in the first round proper of the FA Cup. Sharp has returned to the club following the suspension of Diamonds midfielder James Clifton.

Billy Sharp comes out of retirement to join Rushden — Image: Sheffield Star

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How it is being reported

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder makes Billy Sharp admission after shock retirement U-turnSheffield United hero Billy Sharp has agreed to join AFC Rushden & Diamonds on a short-term dealSheffield Star · 2 Nov, 11:00
Retired Blades legend Sharp signs for RushdenFormer Sheffield United and Doncaster Rovers striker Billy Sharp comes out of retirement to join Northern Premier League side AFC Rushden & Diamonds as they prepare for their FA Cup match against Burton Albion.BBC South Yorkshire · 1 Nov, 16:51
Doncaster Rovers and Sheffield United legend Billy Sharp makes surprise transfer in retirement U-turnFormer Doncaster Rovers striker Billy Sharp will be returning to the world of professional footballDoncaster Free Press · 1 Nov, 13:30

In this story: Billy Sharp · Sheffield United · Doncaster Rovers · AFC Rushden & Diamonds · Burton Albion

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