Doncaster Rovers boss Grant McCann lifts lid on conversation with Billy Sharp as he pays tribute to 'machine'
Doncaster Rovers boss Grant McCann lifts lid on Billy Sharp talks as he salutes 'machine'
Doncaster Rovers manager Grant McCann has lauded outgoing marksman Billy Sharp as a “machine”.
Sharp, now 40, will depart Doncaster in the summer having returned to the club for a fourth spell in the summer of 2024.
The former Sheffield United and Leeds United forward fired Rovers to the League Two title last term, although has not been as influential on the pitch in League One this season.
He has been sidelined by injury of late but looks set to return before the curtain comes down on the campaign.
Grant McCann salutes Billy Sharp
“I can’t sing Billy’s praises enough really,” said McCann. “Ever since he walked in here, on day one, he’s been absolutely outstanding.
“From a personal point of view, what he brings to the team, to the staff, to the football club, he’s been an absolute diamond, a testament to him and his family.
“He has had a magnificent career up to this point. I’ve got a really good relationship with Bill. I can ask him things, I can ask him to feed things back from the changing room for me and get feedback from him. He’s been brilliant for us on and off the pitch, on the pitch, and he’s still hungry for more.
“It was just a conversation with myself and him to see what he wanted to do. I think he’s still unsure himself to be honest with you. I think he’s going to keep it open for the summer and see what comes along for him, whether that be coaching, management, playing.”
Billy Sharp’s future
Fans have been left to ponder whether Sharp’s playing days are numbered but the veteran has refused to commit to a decision on retirement.
“He’s got so many strings to his bow,” said McCann. “Whoever gets Billy in this summer is going to be lucky. He’s still fit, he’s still strong, I’ve just see him today back amongst the training ground, scoring goals and celebrating goals in training. It’s brilliant to see at that age. It’s unreal.
“I just think back to my own playing career when I got to 33, 34, you feel so tired and lethargic, all the games you’ve played. He’s just a machine. [He has had a] magnificent time at Doncaster over the years and I wish him nothing but success for whatever he does next.”