Sheffield United legend Billy Sharp set for Steel City return after admission over LA Galaxy future

Sheffield United legend Billy Sharp will spend some time in America before returning to Sheffield and assessing the next steps in his career, after a “disappointing” spell at LA Galaxy came to an end. The striker scored six times in 12 games for the Galaxy but they missed out on qualification for the MLS play-offs.

Sharp’s move stateside came as something of a surprise, after his departure from his boyhood club in the summer, but he thoroughly enjoyed the experience of working and living in Los Angeles, with the club holding an option to retain him for the next MLS season. Sharp revealed he has spoken to manager Greg Vanney about his future and although he suggested he does not yet know where it lies, he would be keen to return to California for a second crack at Major League Soccer.

“I’ve said many times, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time and I’m disappointed that it’s ended the way it has,” Sharp said. “To be out of the play-off contention with two games to go was really disappointing, because we thought we could take it to the last day. But it wasn’t to be and we’ve got a lot of work to do in the offseason.”

“I’d love to stay,” the former United skipper and boyhood Blade added. “I’ve really enjoyed it. The lads have been great, the fans have been great and all the staff have been great. I feel I’ve got a part to play and I’d really like to. Because of the way it’s ended this season, I’d like to be part of a successful season next season. I spoke to the manager, so who knows? We’ll find out in the near future.”

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As well as a different style of football, Sharp has also been exposed to the logistics of travelling long-distance across America for away games – as well as inclement weather, although he joked early in his time at Galaxy that an earthquake didn’t bother him too much because he was used to inclement conditions in his home city of Sheffield.

“I fully enjoyed it and hopefully I can keep getting many experiences like that,” Sharp added. “I’m going to stay around for a couple of weeks and some time off in in LA, which I’ve thoroughly enjoyed, with the family. Then I’m going to head back to England and hopefully find out what my plans are for the future.

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“But I’ll be obviously keeping fit by myself and that is the hardest part. It’ll be strange because I’ll be going back and the football season in England will be in full flow, and I’ll be itching to be on the pitch because I came here with obviously having the off-season in England and I just started to feel good in my body. I think I started eight games and to get the six goals, I was delighted. I wanted to try and get more but I’d like to be able to build from that, and hopefully that can happen.”