Former Sheffield United and Doncaster Rovers striker Billy Sharp has reversed his retirement decision to sign for Northern Premier League side AFC Rushden & Diamonds ahead of their FA Cup first-round proper match against Burton Albion.
The 40-year-old announced his retirement last month but returned to action following the suspension of Diamonds midfielder James Clifton. The match against Burton Albion will be the club's first appearance in the first round proper of the FA Cup since the club was founded in 2011 following the demise of the original Rushden & Diamonds.
Should Sharp feature in the tie, it will mark the 814th professional appearance of his career. The match is scheduled for Saturday at 15:00 GMT at Burton Albion's ground.
Sharp previously played for Rushden & Diamonds in 2005 on loan from Sheffield United, scoring nine goals in 16 appearances. He went on to score 290 more goals at senior level before retiring at the end of his contract with Doncaster Rovers this summer. Last season, he played 45 matches for Rovers across all competitions and scored 14 goals.
