Sheffield United legend Billy Sharp reaches new career milestone 21 years after making Blades debut
Sheffield United legend Billy Sharp made his 700th league appearance of his EFL career for Doncaster Rovers on Saturday.
Former Sheffield United captain and Doncaster Rovers striker Billy Sharp made his 700th league appearance of his English Football League career against League One promotion hopefuls Lincoln City at the LNER Stadium on Saturday.
Securing a 14th successive league start for Rovers, Sharp became just the fourth player since the beginning of the 2004/05 season to make 700+ league appearances in England’s top four tiers, following in the footsteps of Dean Lewington (793), Luke Chambers (770) and Peter Clarke (737).
The striker, who will celebrate his 40th birthday in February, marked the occasion by storing 58 minutes under his belt. Unfortunately for him, the game did end in a 2-1 defeat for Rovers, meaning they are now nine league games without a victory.
Sharp joined rejoined Rovers in June 2024, signing a one-year deal. He scored 12 goals in all competitions last term, helping them win the League Two title, before being rewarded with a new one-year contract.
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The striker’s 700th league appearance of his career in England arrived 21 years and two days after he made his first for the Blades against Watford at Bramall Lane back in November 2004. He was introduced as a late substitute, replacing Paul Thirlwell, in a 1-1 draw.
Sharp has played for several clubs in his career
He featured again for the Blades on the final day of the 2004/05 Championship campaign, coming off the bench in a 4-2 away defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux, after returning from a successful loan spell at Rushden & Diamonds, who were in League Two at the time.
As well as playing for the Blades, Doncaster and Rushden & Diamonds in his English Football League career, the veteran striker has also represented Scunthorpe United, Southampton, Nottingham Forest, Reading, Leeds United and Hull City, scoring a combined total of 261 goals.
He has also had a short stint abroad during his career, joining LA Galaxy in August 2023 on a two-month contract. His stint in the United States saw him score six goals in 12 games.