Billy Sharp ends retirement to sign for AFC Rushden & Diamonds

Billy Sharp, the 40-year-old former Sheffield United and Doncaster Rovers striker, came out of retirement on 1 November 2026 to sign for Northern Premier League side AFC Rushden & Diamonds ahead of their FA Cup tie against Burton Albion.

He scored 129 goals across 377 appearances for his boyhood club Sheffield United. Sharp first played for Rushden in 2005 on loan from Sheffield United, scoring nine goals in 16 appearances, and he would then go onto score 290 more at senior level before retiring at the conclusion of his contract with Doncaster Rovers this summer.

Sharp has returned to play for his former side following the suspension of Diamonds midfielder James Clifton. The move brings him back into the squad as Rushden prepare for a notable cup fixture against professional opposition.

The match against Burton Albion will mark the first time Rushden & Diamonds have played in the first round proper of the FA Cup. Should he feature, the tie will be Sharp's 814th professional appearance of his career.

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

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