SHARPEST JEWEL IN THE BOX
Blades boss Wilder: Skipper Billy is better than ever at 31
SHEFF UNITED 1 Sharp 39 BRENTFORD 0
LIKE a fine wine, Chris Wilder believes Billy Sharp will only get better with age.
Sheffield United, back in the second tier after a six-year absence, got off to a winning start with victory over Brentford, courtesy of Sharp’s first-half goal.
The Blades skipper, once described as “just a fat lad from Sheffield” by a former manager, bagged 30 goals last season to fire his hometown club to the League One title and he wasted no time in getting on the scoresheet here.
Now 31, Sharp is fitter than ever and Blades boss Wilder reckons anyone who thinks the striker is entering his twilight years could not be further from the truth.
He said: “Billy is a genuine goalscorer and will only get better with age. Look at the likes of David Nugent, they seem to blossom later in their careers, and Billy can do that too.
“Despite him having that tag (‘fat lad’) from earlier in his career, he’s in really good shape. He’s looking after himself and he will do well.” Six minutes before the break, Sharp pounced inside the six-yard box to head home strike-partner Leon Clarke’s inviting cross.
Sharp said: “It’s a relief to get off the mark, but also a relief to get the win.
“Back in the Championship again, we came up against a good team who will cause a lot of teams problems, but we coped well with that threat.
“I have said already that I feel strong and I feel fit and, touch wood, that continues this season. I try and score 20 goals every year and, if I don’t get 20, I’m disappointed.”
Sharp thought he had scored a second shortly after the break, only to have it ruled out for offside. Brentford pushed for the equaliser but found Chelsea loanee Jamal Blackman in outstanding form in the United goal.
Bees keeper Daniel Bentley believes their bad luck in front of goal will even itself out throughout the season.
He said: “We feel a bit hard done by but it’s up to us to take the chances. Whether it’s luck or the rub of the green, I’m a firm believer that these things even themselves out over the season.
“It’s up to us to make sure we are taking the chances that come our way.”