Blades in Sharp's firing line after Lane departure

The Sheffield-born striker, a lifelong supporter of the Blades, scored only 10 goals in three years at Bramall Lane and was loaned out to Doncaster Rovers after a fall-out with manager Kevin Blackwell.

His performances in a Rovers shirt were a revelation last season and led to the club paying their first 1m transfer fee yesterday to secure his services and beat off competition from both Burnley and Leeds United.

After signing a three-year deal at the Keepmoat Stadium, Sharp expressed his disappointment at leaving the Blades again.

Originally sold to Scunthorpe United five years ago after coming through the youth ranks, he had returned to his spiritual home in 2007 for a 2m fee in the wake of the club's relegation from the Premier League.

Unable to command a regular place under Bryan Robson, he was given fresh opportunities by Blackwell but things turned sour and the striker was soon back on the bench.

Sharp will now be aiming to prove a point next season by scoring goals against his former club and finishing higher up the Championship table.

"I'm disappointed to be leaving Sheffield United as the fans there were always brilliant – but I was not enjoying my football because I wasn't playing," he said.

"I went for a lot of money but that is not the reason I didn't score goals," he added. "It is because I don't think I was played right. Look, wherever else I have been I have scored goals. I am not saying Sheffield United don't play the right way – everyone plays differently – but it seems to suit me better here.

"Within a couple of days of coming to Doncaster, I realised that training was different and I really enjoyed it," he said. "At United, everything in training is just like what we do on matchdays. I feel I have improved as a player here and I can improve even more.

"I have been there twice and it has not quite gone the way I wanted it to," he admitted. "I can't score goals for Sheffield United anymore so one against them next season would be nice.

"I believe we can get in the play-offs next season. If we finish above Sheffield United, we will be in the play-offs.

"They probably under-achieved last season but I am sure they will pick themselves up and do well."

Blackwell, who still has five other strikers at his disposal, last night wished Sharp good luck with his new employers and claimed he had been weighed down by the burden of expectation at Bramall Lane.

"When I came back here (as manager), Billy was not in the team and I gave him a long run," said Blackwell. "Maybe the fact that he is a real 'Blade' and was desperate to succeed weighed heavily on him at times – plus he was very unlucky on occasions with disallowed 'goals'."

Rovers have initially paid 600,000 for Sharp – whose contract with the Blades was due to run out next summer – but that fee will rise to 1.15m over the duration of his stay.

Commenting on the fee, Blades chief executive Trevor Birch said: "After discussions with his agent it was made clear Billy would not sign a new contract and was determined to return to Doncaster. In that situation we were left with no alternative but to maximise the player's value in the best interests of the club as he would have been free to leave next season."

Doncaster chairman John Ryan has tipped Sharp to become as legendary a figure for Rovers as the great Alick Jeffrey while manager Sean O'Driscoll says his goals can make the difference between simply staying up and mounting a push for the Premier League.

"If we had Billy in the first season (in the Championship), we could potentially have done a Blackpool or a Bristol City," said O'Driscoll. "I felt we played better in our first season in the Championship but the difference last season was having someone who scores goals."

Sharp scored 15 goals in 34 appearances for Rovers before injury ruled him out of the last six games of the season.

"To have someone who can score goals is invaluable," O'Driscoll added. "It certainly makes life in the Championship easier."

Sharp was linked with a possible move to Leeds but turned down an opportunity to sign up again with his former Scunthorpe manager Brian Laws at Burnley

"I was not looking for a move for money," said Sharp, who recently got married to a Sheffield girl and was in no rush to leave the city. "There will be a stage in my career where I will try to pick up the money but that time is not now. I enjoy it here, so why leave?"

SHARP FACTBOX

Born: Sheffield, February 5, 1986.

Club career

Sheffield United 2004-05 (from trainee)

Games: 0 (2) Goals: 0

Rushden & Diamonds (on loan Jan - May 2005)

Games: 16 (0) Goals: 9

Scunthorpe United 2005-07 (100,000)

Games: 92 (3) Goals: 56

Sheffield United 2007-10 (2,000,000)

Games: 48 (16) Goals: 10

Doncaster Rovers (on loan Sept 09 - June 10)

Games: 34 (1) Goals: 15