Retired Sheff Utd legend Sharp signs for Rushden

Published1 November 2026

Former Sheffield United and Doncaster Rovers striker Billy Sharp has come out of retirement to join Northern Premier League side AFC Rushden & Diamonds as they prepare for their FA Cup match against Burton Albion.

The 40-year-old announced his retirement last month but has reversed that decision following the suspension of Diamonds midfielder James Clifton.

The match against Burton Albion will mark the first time AFC Rushden & Diamonds have played in the first round proper of the FA Cup. The club was founded in 2011 following the demise of Rushden & Diamonds.

Should Sharp feature in the tie, it will be the 814th professional appearance of his career.

The club make the trip to the Brewers on Saturday at 15:00 GMT.

Sharp played for Rushden & Diamonds in 2005 on loan from Sheffield United, scoring nine goals in 16 appearances.

He would go on to score 290 more at senior level before retiring at the conclusion of his contract with Doncaster Rovers this summer.

The striker played in 45 of Rovers' matches last season across all competitions and scored 14 goals.

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