Sharp happy to be playing and scoring for his Blades

IT may have taken three attempts, but Billy Sharp is living his dream with Sheffield United.

Sharp’s earliest memories are of Dave Bassett’s Blades beating Manchester United in the top flight and playing Sheffield Wednesday in the 1993 FA Cup semi-final.

He fell in love with United and it was always his ambition to play and score for them.

After two spells at Bramall Lane at the beginning of his career and then a decade ago, Sharp is club captain and scoring the goals to fuel their promotion push.

“I remember the semi-final against Sheffield Wednesday and beating Man United a couple of times,” he said.

“I’ve loved them since then and it’s been a dream to play for them. To be playing, scoring for and captaining the club I love is amazing.”

His next goal is to return to the Premier League and he has unfinished business from his time with Southampton.

Sharp, 32, managed just two top-flight appearances for the Saints after helping them win promotion in 2012 before he was shunted off on loan to Nottingham Forest.

“I’d love to have another crack at the Premier League because I know I could get goals,” he added. “That would be the complete dream for me, to play for Sheffield United in the Premier League.

“I believe I’ve got three or four more years in me. People may say I’m 33 in February, but I feel fitter and stronger than I have done in my career.”

Sharp regrets his time at Leeds did not work out. Signed by eccentric owner Massimo Cellino in August 2014, he had three bosses in Dave Hockaday, Darko Milanic and Neil Redfearn during 11 chaotic months there.

“I thought it was a great move, but I had three managers that season and that was frustrating,” he said. “I wish it had gone better, but I have fond memories.”