Billy Sharp achieved his sixth promotion in 21 years as a professional footballer at the end of the 2022-2023 season. Shortly after, he signed a new contract with Doncaster Rovers, extending his career into his forties. Reflecting on his journey, Sharp stated, “I thought about retiring two years ago when I didn’t get another contract at Sheffield United. I didn’t think I could wear another shirt.”
Despite contemplating retirement, the forward embraced new opportunities, including a stint with LA Galaxy. He then returned to the English Football League (EFL) with Hull City before rejoining Doncaster. “I’ll be 40 in February,” he noted. “My wife keeps asking, ‘When are you going to stop?’ but I don’t know when I will. While I’m contributing with goals and promotions, and my body still allows me to play, it’s hard for me to stop.”
Sharp’s most recent promotion came in dramatic fashion. In injury time of the penultimate game of the season, he scored to secure a 2-0 victory against Bradford City, confirming Doncaster’s rise from League Two to League One. He described the moment as a “fairytale end” to his first season back at the club. The emotional connection he shares with the fans runs deep; he recalls their support during his most challenging times, including the tragic loss of his newborn son in 2011.
Insights from a Seasoned Player
Promotions have become a hallmark of Sharp’s career. He expressed that each ascent is as memorable as the first. “Promotion last season was as sweet as ever,” he remarked. “I’ve been lucky enough to do League Two to League One now—I’d done League One to the Championship a couple of times, and the Championship up to the Premier League three times.”
Few players possess the same level of experience in navigating the promotional landscape. Sharp emphasized the importance of unity within the team. “The changing room is the biggest thing at the start—everyone has to be pulling in the same direction,” he stated. “There are players who don’t play much, but they’re probably the most important, so it’s all about keeping them onside and enjoying training.”
He highlighted the role of the manager in maintaining morale, recalling his early career with Nigel Adkins at Scunthorpe, who later guided him to success at Southampton. Sharp also experienced promotions with Chris Wilder at Sheffield United and Grant McCann at Doncaster.
Keys to Success
Momentum plays a critical role in a successful campaign. Sharp noted, “When the season starts, it’s important to bag early wins and get momentum going, which creates belief and hunger.” His teams have often achieved promotion comfortably, with Sheffield United securing their place in the Championship with three games to spare in 2017.
Sharp believes that successful teams typically have a prolific striker. “The teams that get promoted have a 20-goal-a-season man. If you don’t quite get that, it’s important to keep 20-plus clean sheets.” Reflecting on his own performance, he recalled scoring 30 goals as captain for Sheffield United to help them escape League One.
The passion of football supporters fuels his drive. “When my team’s supporters chant my name, and opposition fans shout abuse at me, then I know I’m doing something right,” he said. “There’s no better feeling than scoring in front of your own fans or in front of opposition fans.”
Sharp’s experience has taught him the importance of discipline and resilience. “The ones who are the most disciplined, most professional, and deep down want it the most tend to succeed,” he explained. He recalled the tough conditions faced during the season, emphasizing that those challenging moments build character and camaraderie within the team.
“Don’t panic” is another lesson Sharp learned through his career. He recounted the promotion with Sheffield United in 2019 when they faced pressure from Leeds United. “At Doncaster last season, we were third, fourth, fifth, stuttering along, then suddenly went top over Easter, won our final home game to secure promotion,” he said.
In the closing moments of the season, he had to navigate personal challenges as well. After receiving a red card in a previous match, Sharp reflected on how the time away from the pitch allowed him to recover from a knee injury. “I came back to score against Bradford and seal promotion. Quite a month!”
As Sharp continues to forge ahead in his career, he remains focused on enjoying the game. Reflecting on the celebrations following last season’s success, he said, “We celebrated well last season—the staff came out with us. It was nice to let your hair down and celebrate together after all the hard work.”
With each promotion, Billy Sharp not only adds to his legacy but also shares valuable insights that future generations can learn from, proving that the passion for football is timeless.
