Billy Sharp has signed a new one-year contract extension to stay at Sheffield United until June 2023.
Sharp has enjoyed three separate stints at Bramall Lane after beginning his professional career with the Blades in 2004-05 season, with the 36 year-old having gone on to score 126 goals in 331 appearances for his hometown club as they enjoyed promotions to Championship and Premier League.
This season has also seen Sharp enjoy a twilight revival with 15 goals in 41 appearances, as Sheffield Utd battled back from a slow start to sit sixth in the Sky Bet Championship with three matches left of the season.
Speaking about his decision to stay at Bramall Lane for one more season, Sharp said: “I’m delighted, I’ve had a good season and, like I said when I signed my last deal, I want to knuckle down, work even harder and earn the next one.”
Sharp also iterated that he isn’t done in terms of his ambitions and desire to score goals, as he continued: “I feel there is plenty more in me and it is up to me to show that.
“The immediate aim is for a few more goals this season, carry on next season, contribute to the team to get us results and although I hit 37 next year, I still feel I’ve got a few more years left in me.”
Blades manager, Paul Heckingbottom meanwhile was eager to secure Sharp for one more season, pointing to the “hunger” of the veteran striker in his desire to score goals for his hometown team as a huge reason behind offering Sharp a new deal.
Heckingbottom also added that he can’t wait to continue working with Sharp for another season as he praised Sharp’s value, in which he commented: “He brings a lot to the club, both on and off the pitch, he’s a leader and a fantastic example to the younger strikers at the club.”
Sheffield Utd Chief Executive, Stephen Bettis meanwhile spoke highly of Sharp’s popularity at the club as he added: “Billy’s standing and reputation in S2 is unrivalled and we hope everyone is as delighted as we are that the skipper will remain a Blade for another year.”
Away from Sheffield Utd, Sharp has previously played for Rushden & Diamonds, Scunthorpe United, Doncaster Rovers, Southampton, Nottingham Forest, Reading and Leeds United, in which he amassed 264 goals in 647 appearances across his career so far.
Sheffield Utd will be in action tomorrow (23 April) at home to Cardiff City in an untelevised 3pm BST kick-off.
Leave a Reply