Leeds United's Billy Sharp decision was a huge Sheffield United blessing: View | OneFootball

A look back at one of the most important signings in the Blades' history, and the success that came with it.

Billy Sharp joined Leeds United in 2014 as a respected and prolific EFL goalscorer, but a faltering season at Elland Road saw the then 29-year-old shipped out to Sheffield United just one year later. Little did either club know he would go on to become the greatest goalscorer in EFL history and kick-on once more well into his thirties.

Born in the steel city, Sharp grew up a fan of the Blades, and graduated through their youth academy in 2004. He would spend the next ten years succeeding pretty much everywhere except Bramall Lane.

During his first two spells for the club, 2004-05 and 2007-10 respectively, he would score just eight times for the South Yorkshire side in 53 appearances.

With his previous record for the Blades, and just five goals for Leeds the previous season, Nigel Adkins' acquisition of Sharp was a huge gamble, but as the numbers above suggest, it certainly paid off.

Sharp’s return to Bramall Lane

Billy Sharp’s love affair with Sheffield United is well documented. The striker had a tremendously deep connection with the club, and it was certainly possible that he had felt too much pressure playing for the team he supports.

His second return, however, proved to be the turning point in both his career and the club's fortunes, as the Blades were struggling to escape League One after three agonising and unsuccessful play-off appearances in four years saw them languishing in England's third-tier.

Sharp's presence immediately galvanized the team. His determination, passion, and leadership qualities quickly made him the heart and soul of the squad, and despite finishing 11th, Sharp scored 21 times.

A record-breaking season with the Blades

The following season saw the arrival of Chris Wilder, who immediately granted Sharp the responsibility of club captain. Sharp rewarded this honour, going on to achieve his best-ever goalscoring return.

He netted an emphatic 30 goals in the league in 2016-17, playing a crucial role in guiding 100-point Sheffield United to the title.

His remarkable form in front of goal was one of the key factors in the Blades' promotion to the Championship, and made him one of only four players to achieve 30+ goals in a League One season.

This season highlighted Sharp’s predatory instincts and clinical finishing, reminding everyone of his capabilities as a top striker.

Sharp thrived in a system that played to his strengths, and his ability to lead by example was instrumental in Sheffield United’s return to the Championship, a bare minimum expectancy for a club of their stature.

Sharp's leadership

Beyond his goalscoring prowess, Sharp's leadership was invaluable to Sheffield United’s resurgence. As both captain and fan, he set the tone for the team, demonstrating the importance of fighting for the badge.

His experience and professionalism rubbed off on younger players, helping to create a winning mentality within the squad.

Sharp’s influence extended off the pitch as well. His connection with the club and its supporters was palpable. The fans adored him, and his passion for the club resonated deeply with the Bramall Lane faithful.

Homegrown, passionate and vital to the success of his side, he had all the factors required for an ideal club talisman, a rare commodity in the modern game.

Sharp cements Blades legacy

After helping the team secure promotion to the Championship, Sharp continued to play a vital role for the Blades across the next two campaigns. He would score a further 36 Championship goals as the Blades secured a quickfire double-promotion to the Premier League in 2019, cementing Sharp as a true club legend.

In an ironic twist of fate, Sheffield United would reach the top-flight before Leeds (pipping them to second in 2019). Sharp's success would be a bittersweet watch for those connected with the Whites, though as romantic as it may sound, perhaps this Billy Sharp simply could not exist outside the red and white stripes of his boyhood club.

With 129 goals under his belt, by far the most of any player this century, Sharp would eventually leave SUFC in 2023. Although unceremoniously released, he left the club on a high, once more securing Premier League promotion.

In the end, Leeds' decision to part ways with Sharp turned out to be a godsend for both the player and Sheffield United.

His goals, leadership, and love for the club revitalised the Blades and left an indelible mark on the culture surrounding the team for decades to come, as Sharp’s personifies perhaps the fondest period in modern Sheffield United history.