Sheffield United legend Billy Sharp drops hint on his future after fitting Doncaster farewell

Sheffield United icon Billy Sharp has not dismissed the prospect of continuing his playing career next season after scoring a hat-trick in Doncaster Rovers’ 3-1 win over Peterborough United on Saturday put him on the brink of his 300th career goal.

After it was confirmed last month Sharp will be leaving the League One club when his contract expires this summer, the 40-year-old marked his Rovers swansong with a second half treble to help Grant McCann’s side seal a final day win at the Weston Homes Stadium.

Sharp returned to Doncaster for a third spell in 2024 and has scored 26 goals in 96 appearances across all competitions. His hat-trick against Peterborough meant he brought this season to a close with 14 goals to his name.

Despite turning 40 in February, Sharp has hinted that his playing career might not be over just yet after moving to within one goal of his 300th.

"I'm one short,” Sharp said, as quoted by the Doncaster Free Press. “I'll have a think and see what happens.

“I know I can play on. Age is just a number. Today's made me think twice, definitely."

On his hat-trick, Sharp continued: "I felt very lucky today. I didn't think it was real. To get the hat-trick was a fairytale but I always thrived to get more. Having said that, I've loved every single minute today.

"I'm proud because I thought my season was over. And I did well to get back as early as I did (from injury) and then to score last week made me really feel satisfied. But I want more!

"If I didn't score today, I'd still have been happy. I honestly thought I was in a film at one point. When I got the hat-trick, I don't know how long was left but I was just thinking 'please, just one more chance'.

"I've not watched it back but I've been told I was slightly off(side). I can't be too greedy. I've had an unbelievable day. The lads made it special and my family were here to see it."

Meanwhile, United boss Chris Wilder, last month, admitted the door was open for Sharp to potentially return to Bramall Lane in a coaching capacity, saying: “We'll see what he has to say on that one."

Sharp has studied for his coaching badges alongside his playing commitments in recent years, and has made no secret of his interest in becoming a manager one day.