Billy Sharp reveals how close he was to sealing Sheffield United return in coaching role last year
Billy Sharp was presented with the opportunity to return to Sheffield United in coaching capacity by Chris Wilder in 2025.
Former Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp has revealed that he was offered the opportunity to return to Bramall Lane in a coaching capacity last year, admitting that he believes it was a factor in Doncaster Rovers’ decision not to offer him a new contract.
Sharp announced his retirement last weekend, bringing an end to his playing career after 22 years as a professional. He had been without a club since leaving Doncaster at the end of last season.
The 40-year-old returned to Doncaster in June 2024 and played a key role in helping the club secure the League Two title in his first season back at the Club Doncaster Sports Village, scoring nine league goals and 12 across all competitions. The striker improved on that tally last term, scoring 14 times in league and cup competitions as Rovers finished a respectable 14th in League One.
However, the United icon has now revealed that he was prepared to retire in 2025 in order to take up a coaching role at Bramall Lane. He was offered the opportunity by Chris Wilder to join his coaching staff and help improve the Blades’ attacking output.
Sharp told BBC Radio Sheffield: “A lot of people don't know this, but this time last year, Chris Wilder got the job back at Sheffield United, and Jack Lester went to Brentford as striker coach. I got offered the opportunity to be the striker coach at Sheffield United, which the gaffer, Chris Wilder, said to me, ‘Sleep on it’, and I knew I didn't need to sleep on it.
“I'd made my decision, but I did sleep on it. I woke up that morning and said I wanted to do that. I went in and told Grant (McCann) and Cliff (Byrne) that I wanted to retire because of this opportunity.
“I wasn't going to join another club to play. My signature was with Doncaster until the end of the season, which I get. Anyway, it didn't materialise.
“I had my head down for a couple of games. I think one of them was against Wimbledon. I was poor. But I just did what I’ve always done throughout my career: rolled my sleeves up, got on with it, and tried to contribute again. I feel as though I did that.”
Reflecting on his departure from Doncaster at the end of last season, Sharp added: “I’ll be honest, I’m very surprised Doncaster didn’t offer me another year. I really am.
“There’s only one man who can answer that question. I scored 14 goals, and I contributed both on and off the pitch.”