Billy Sharp, the 40-year-old former Sheffield United and Doncaster Rovers striker, has come out of retirement to join AFC Rushden & Diamonds. The club are preparing for their FA Cup first-round match at Burton Albion on Saturday at 15:00 GMT, the first time Rushden & Diamonds have played in the first round proper of the competition.
Return from retirement
Sharp announced his retirement. He returned to play for his former side following the suspension of Diamonds midfielder James Clifton.
Previous spell at the club
Sharp first played for AFC Rushden & Diamonds in 2005 on loan from Sheffield United. He scored nine goals in 16 appearances in his first spell with the club.
Numbers before retirement
Sharp scored 290 more at senior level before retiring at the conclusion of his contract with Doncaster Rovers this summer. He played in 45 of Doncaster Rovers' matches last season across all competitions and scored 14 goals.
FA Cup tie at Burton Albion
AFC Rushden & Diamonds travel to Burton Albion on Saturday at 15:00 GMT. If Sharp features, the tie will be his 814th professional appearance of his career.
