Billy Sharp Could Return for Rushden in FA Cup

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, October 25, 2026

Billy Sharp, who retired from professional football two weeks ago after scoring 299 career goals, may return to play for AFC Rushden & Diamonds in their upcoming FA Cup first round match against Burton Albion. This potential comeback is significant as Sharp could mark his 300th goal for the club where he began his career, highlighting a full-circle moment nearly 21 years later.

Billy Sharp may not be stepping away from football as definitively as initially thought, with AFC Rushden & Diamonds hoping to see the striker return for an FA Cup match next month.

Sharp, who announced his retirement two weeks ago after a career spanning more than two decades, first made his mark 21 years ago with the original Rushden & Diamonds during a loan spell from Sheffield United. During his career, he scored a total of 299 professional goals, achieved six promotions, played in the Premier League, and earned recognition as one of the Championship’s most prolific forwards of the 21st century.

The original Rushden & Diamonds, however, faced a different fate. The club was relegated from the Football League in 2006 before folding entirely five years later. The team was re-established in the 2012-13 season as AFC Rushden & Diamonds, starting at Step 6 of the English football pyramid in the United Counties League.

Sharp has maintained a connection with the club since then, participating in a Legends Game three years ago. Now, the Northamptonshire side has extended an invitation for Sharp, 40, to make an unexpected return for their FA Cup first round tie against Burton Albion.

“Rushden have asked me to play for them in the FA Cup first round,” Sharp said. “I’ve still not totally ruled it out. They were the first club I ever scored a goal for. To go back after all those years, and to score my 300th goal for them in the FA Cup – it would be such a great story, wouldn’t it?”

Reflecting on his early career, Sharp recalled being unfamiliar with the club when he first joined on loan. “I didn’t even know where it was in the country,” he said. Traveling from Sheffield with teammate Adrian Littlejohn, who was nearing the end of his career, Sharp said the veteran offered valuable advice about enjoying the game and making the most of a playing career.

“Lots of things have changed since then. I wore a massive shirt, I had a terrible haircut. It was League Two, fast and furious, constant balls into the box. A lot less tactical,” Sharp noted. He added that modern football has become more strategic, with teams aiming to neutralize each other rather than playing an open, attacking style.

Despite stepping away from professional football, Sharp said his passion for the game remains strong. “I still love football. I still want to be involved. So let’s see. Right now, I can’t see it happening, but never say never.”

AFC Rushden & Diamonds will host Burton Albion in the FA Cup first round next month, with the possibility of Sharp’s involvement yet to be confirmed.

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