Sheffield United and Doncaster Rovers icon Billy Sharp has discussed a post-retirement aim
Sheffield United and Doncaster Rovers icon Billy Sharp is keen to enter the world of coaching having retired from playing.
The 40-year-old recently called time on a playing career that spanned over 20 years, retiring as one of the EFL’s all-time greats.
He is best-known for his exploits in the colours of Sheffield United and Doncaster, but also counts the likes of Leeds United and Hull City among his former clubs.
Sharp has been involved with punditry - as well as the short-sided competition Baller League - but has his sights set on coaching.
Billy Sharp on coaching aim
He told BBC 5 Live Sport: “I had a plan for 10-12 years where I was getting my coaching badge, got my B Licence, got my A Licence, done my LMA and Football Management diploma, which was quite out of my comfort zone. I met a lot of incredible people in all different parts of football and tried to understand the game a little bit more, not just on the pitch but off the pitch as well.
“Coaching is something that I do want to get my hands tied into and the end goal will be to hopefully be a manager.
“Doing all the little things like going into clubs, using my contacts is something that I'm going to do. I’m quite enjoying a bit of time off with my family, but I'm also doing the punditry side of things with Sky in the EFL.
“I think that's helping me as well - watching a lot of football, meeting new people and obviously seeing a lot of faces that I already know.
“I'm very passionate about the game and I love the game still, so I want to be in and around it as much as I can.”
Sharp was the subject of interest from Sheffield United regarding a coaching role last year, but ended up seeing out the final year of his playing career at Doncaster. He signed off with a final-day hat-trick and took his career goals tally to 299.