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Sheffield United icon Billy Sharp given opportunity to step out of retirement with surprise FA Cup offer

Non-league side AFC Rushden & Diamonds have reached out to Billy Sharp to see if he will play for them in the first round of the FA Cup next month.

The Star

Published: Sunday, 25 October 2026 at 3:00 PM

Key Things to Know

Billy Sharp has been offered the chance by AFC Rushden & Diamonds to come out of retirement for the FA Cup.
The eighth-tier club reached the FA Cup first round after defeating Morecambe 2-1 in the fourth qualifying round.
Sharp stated that while the chances are slim, he has not completely ruled out playing against Burton Albion.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Former Sheffield United captain Billy Sharp has revealed he received an offer from eighth-tier phoenix club AFC Rushden & Diamonds to come out of retirement. The non-league side approached the veteran striker to feature in their upcoming FA Cup first-round fixture against League One club Burton Albion next month.

Sharp previously spent a loan spell with the original Rushden & Diamonds in 2005, scoring nine goals in 16 appearances. While Sharp noted the chances of playing are slim after announcing his retirement earlier this month, he stated he has not entirely ruled out the possibility.

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Sheffield United icon Billy Sharp given opportunity to step out of retirement with surprise FA Cup offer

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