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Billy Sharp reflects on being attacked by fan, his baby boy’s death, George Baldock and future plans

Billy Sharp reflects on being attacked by a fan, his baby boy’s death, memories he had with George Baldock and future plans.

There was only one time that he considered retirement during a playing career which has lasted 21 years, 283 goals and 10 different clubs, however, the 39 year old has no intention of stopping just yet.

It was in 2023 at the age of 37 that he seriously contemplating hanging up his boots, having just been released by Sheffield United, his boyhood club, after scoring 129 goals in 377 appearances across three spells.

“I’d had three promotions with them,” Sharp said to BBC Sport.

“That was the only kit I wanted to wear. I just wanted to play for Sheffield United. When I was released I asked myself ‘is it time to retire?’.

“Going to LA Galaxy made me realise I still love scoring goals, I still love playing football. That’s why I’m still playing now.

“The heartache of not playing for Sheffield United gave me an opportunity to experience another league and another team, who I really enjoyed playing for.”

Now he’s in his fourth spell at Doncaster Rovers, speaking ahead of their FA Cup Fourth Round clash against Premier League Crystal Palace.

“I’ve no plans to retire.”

Sharp spoke on being headbutted by a Nottingham Forest fan three years ago at the end of Sheffield United’s playoff defeat at the City Ground: “I was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

It was said in court that Sharp had been on the receiving end of a “senseless act of violence”.

He continued: “I had a damaged lip [from being headbutted] but I was more hurt by the fact we’d lost a play-off semi-final.

“Should players get headbutted on the side of the pitch? No. Should the security and safety of the players have been better that night? Yes.

“But it didn’t stop me from wanting to carry on playing. Playing football at places like the City Ground and Wembley are a big factor why I want to keep on playing.

“It didn’t cross my mind that maybe I should retire.”

A Forest season-ticket holder pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and received a jail term of 24 weeks.

A Forest fan Zoe Potts set up an online donation page which saw £16,000 raised for Sharp’s nominated charity Martin House Hospice – who provide care for children with life-limiting illnesses.

In 2011, he played and scored in Doncaster’s game against Middlesbrough, three days after the death of his newborn son.

Luey was born with gastroschisis, this is when a child’s abdomen isn’t developed fully in the womb.

“We got told it was a 97 per cent survival rate so we didn’t even think about the three per cent worst-case scenario,” said Sharp, per The Telegraph.

“My goal tonight was the most important of my career dedicated to my brave boy Luey Jacob Sharp. I love you, son,” he posted on social media following the game.

14 years on, he said in an interview: “They helped me through some incredibly tough times personally.”

He also scored at Bloomfield Road, dedicating it to Luey, with Billy lifted up his shirt with a message on the shirt underneath reading: “That’s for you son.”

“I don’t score goals like that. But there was something in the air that night that told me to hit the ball, hit it clean,” said Sharp. “It flew in for him. I’ve got that memory which helped me along the way all these years later when I’m still playing now.

“I was selfish when we lost Luey because all I wanted to do was play football. It was a safe space and a moment when you could get away from it. I will always say I am forever thankful for football getting me through that time. It’s a big release for a lot of players and you are surrounded by a lot of support that helped me get through it.”

On tournaments that matter to Sharp are those named in honour of Luey: “We wanted people to remember our son’s name and also help other people and other families.

“It’s incredibly hard and there are so many cancers that we still haven’t got cures for and gastroschisis is another one that unfortunately with a lot of money and research they still don’t know how babies that have it survive.”

On making changes to his life that helped his longevity: “I had to make a few life changes to play at the level I was at. I didn’t realise until I was training at Southampton, my new club, and I was miles off everyone else at the club. It was a wake-up call and those changes are why I am still playing now.

“People knew I was going through a tough time off the pitch, which didn’t help and got to me in a professional way as well.”

Sharp also remembers close friend and ex-Sheffield United team-mate George Baldock, who sadly died at the age of 31 when found dead in the swimming pool of his house in Greece, in October 2024.

“George’s passing affects me day to day,” said Sharp, who went to Baldock’s funeral.

“He was not only a team-mate but also a very good friend. I went on many holidays with him and made family memories with my kids, my wife and his partner.”

On future plans, with his contract at Doncaster up in the summer: “I’m still trying to convince myself I’m 29 – not 39.

“The drive is still there, the hunger is still there. I’m going to try and keep playing and my aim is to get 300 career goals.

“If I can’t do that this season, I want to make sure I reach that target next season.

“I’d like to be a manager [one day]. I’ve got my Uefa A and I’ve done my Uefa B coaching badges.”

For the time being, he coaches his young sons Leo and Milo.

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