Retired Sheff Utd legend Sharp signs for Rushden
Billy Sharp has come out of retirement to rejoin AFC Rushden & Diamonds for their FA Cup first-round tie against Burton Albion. The former Sheffield United and Doncaster Rovers striker is returning after Rushden midfielder James Clifton was suspended, and could help the club in its first appearance in the first round proper.
The 40-year-old announced his retirement last month after his Doncaster contract ended this summer. He scored 129 goals in 377 appearances for boyhood club Sheffield United, and made 45 appearances and scored 14 goals for Doncaster last season. If he plays against Burton on Saturday, it will be his 814th professional appearance; Sharp first represented Rushden on loan in 2005, scoring nine goals in 16 games.
In short
- Billy Sharp has returned from retirement to join Rushden.
- He could play in the club’s first FA Cup first-round proper tie.
- The Burton match could be his 814th professional appearance.
Explained simply
Billy Sharp is an English striker best known for his spells at Sheffield United and Doncaster Rovers. He began his senior career at Sheffield United, the club he supported as a boy, and also played for AFC Rushden & Diamonds early in his career.
AFC Rushden & Diamonds are a non-league club from Northamptonshire. Reaching the first round proper of the FA Cup means they can face clubs from higher divisions, and their tie with Burton Albion is a notable occasion for the club.