Ellis blunt about Sharp's Blades exit

BILLY SHARP’S failure to score enough goals in a Sheffield United shirt was the catalyst for his move to Doncaster Rovers.

Sharp is due to face the Blades tomorrow for the first time since his 1.1m transfer in the summer.

The Sheffield-born striker managed only 13 goals in 66 appearances for the Blades but has struck 20 in just 47 for Rovers.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s South Yorkshire derby at the Keepmoat Stadium, Blades assistant manager Sam Ellis said: “It didn’t work out for Billy here because he didn’t score enough goals. If you look at the facts, his goalscoring record here was not what was expected.”

Sharp, who achieved his dream by signing for the Blades as a schoolboy, was originally sold to Scunthorpe United for 100,000 in 2005 by former manager Neil Warnock.

After scoring 56 goals in two seasons for the Iron, the Blades stumped up 2m to take Sharp back to Bramall Lane, where he was immediately hailed as a hero.

Unable to produce the goods for then manager Bryan Robson, Sharp’s fortunes dipped even further following the appointment of Kevin Blackwell. The pair subsequently fell out and Sharp spent the majority of last season on loan with Rovers.

“He probably put too much pressure on himself, seeing as he was such a big Sheffield United lad,” said Ellis. “You are sad to see good players go and he was a good lad in the dressing room but, I’m afraid in football, business is business.”

Sharp missed both games between the Blades and Rovers last season and Ellis is keen to play down the significance of his involvement tomorrow.

“As a professional you should be fired up for every game,” he said. “I would think Billy regards this as just another game now. Whenever he goes out on a football field he is trying his best to score a goal and is always pleased whenever he does.”

After collecting four points from their last two games against Burnley and Hull City, Ellis is hoping the Blades can maintain their progress and push up the Championship table.

“This is the best run we have had so far this season and we hope it is a springboard,” he said.

“The players showed great desire against Burnley but that attitude had always been there – I just don’t think we have had the luck. Results against Cardiff, Middlesbrough, Nottingham Forest and Scunthorpe could all have been different with a stroke of luck.

“You have to believe that, if you keep working hard and trying, your luck will change.”

Defender Stephen Jordan is unlikely to play tomorrow after suffering a hamstring strain against Hull. Midfielder Nick Montgomery will also be missing due to tendonitis but is likely to return next week.