‘Never say never’ - Doncaster Rovers legend Billy Sharp reveals surprise offer to step out of retirement

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Billy Sharp has revealed that he has been offered the opportunity to come out of retirement with one of his old clubs.

Sharp, who smashed in 299 EFL goals for the likes of Sheffield United, Leeds United, Scunthorpe and Doncaster among others, actually scored his first Football League goals during a loan spell with the original Rushden & Diamonds during the 2004/05 season. And now they're interested in bringing him back for a second spell.

Aged just 18 when he arrived, Sharp helped the team secure League Two survival with nine goals in 16 appearances during a productive loan spell which stood him in good stead for the rest of his career.

Rushden & Diamonds were relegated the following year before folding completely in 2011. However, supporters have since formed AFC Rushend and Diamonds as a phoenix club and it’s fair to say that they still hold Sharp in high regard for his goalscoring heroics, with the striker being offered the chance to come and be part of an important part of history in the club’s new chapter.

Rushend and Diamonds recently reached the first round of the FA Cup for the first time since their rebirth last weekend after beating Morecambe 2-1 in the fourth qualifying round. Their reward is a trip to League One side Burton Albion next month.

“Yes, Rushden have asked me to play for them in the FA Cup first round,” Sharp told The Football League Paper. “I’ve still not totally ruled it out.

“They were the first club I ever scored a goal for. To go back after all those years, and to score my 300th goal for them in the FA Cup - it would be such a great story, wouldn’t it?

Sharp still reflects fondly on his spell with Rushend and Diamonds. He explains: “I still remember when United spoke to me about going on loan there. With all due respect, I didn’t know who Rushden & Diamonds were. I didn’t even know where it was in the country.

“I actually travelled down from Sheffield with a guy called Adrian Littlejohn, who I’d watched as a fan at Sheffield United. He was coming towards the end of his career and I was actually signed as his replacement at Rushden.

“But we he was absolutely amazing with me and there were so many of his little words of wisdom that I’ve kept with me over the years. He was actually one of the first people who said to me, ‘Enjoy it, embrace, play as long as you can because it’s gone in a flash’. Now I’m saying the same thing.

“Lots of things have changed since then. I wore a massive shirt, I had a terrible haircut. It was League Two, fast and furious, constant balls into the box. A lot less tactical.

“As the years have gone on, football has become a very tactical game. Everyone is trying to cancel each other out instead of just playing rock ‘n’ roll football and having a tear up.

“But I still love football. I still want to be involved. So let’s see. Right now, I can’t see it happening, but never say never.”

Sharp, who recently announced his retirement from professional football after four stints as a Doncaster Rovers player, is currently representing N5 FC in the Baller League, where he is managed by former Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann.