Former Sheffield United and Doncaster Rovers striker Billy Sharp has come out of retirement to join Northern Premier League club AFC Rushden & Diamonds. The 40-year-old forward reversed his decision to retire last month following the suspension of Diamonds midfielder James Clifton ahead of the team’s FA Cup fixture against Burton Albion.
Return to a Former Club
This move marks a return for Sharp, who previously played for Rushden & Diamonds on loan from Sheffield United in 2005. During that loan spell, he scored nine goals in 16 appearances before eventually accumulating 290 more senior goals over his career. Sharp retired at the conclusion of his contract with Doncaster Rovers this summer, having featured in 45 of their matches across all competitions last season and scoring 14 goals.
Historic FA Cup Fixture
The upcoming match against Burton Albion represents the first time AFC Rushden & Diamonds will play in the first round proper of the FA Cup. The club was established in 2011 following the demise of the original Rushden & Diamonds. If Sharp takes the field for the fixture, it will be the 814th professional appearance of his career.
AFC Rushden & Diamonds travel to face the Brewers on Saturday at 15:00 GMT.
