Billy Sharp is one of English football’s most well-known strikers outside the Premier League.
In August 2014, he signed for Leeds United, raising hopes for success during a chaotic time for the club.
However, his time at Elland Road didn’t go as planned, and within a year, Sharp had moved on.
Here’s a look at what happened during his short stay at Leeds.
Why Leeds United Wanted Billy Sharp
Billy Sharp had a strong reputation in the Football League. He started his career at Sheffield United and made his name at clubs like Scunthorpe United and Doncaster Rovers.
At Southampton, Sharp helped the team get promoted to the Premier League in 2012 with his excellent goal-scoring record.
However, Sharp struggled to get regular game time after Southampton’s promotion and spent time on loan at Nottingham Forest and Doncaster.
By 2014, he was ready for a fresh start, and Leeds United offered him that chance.
Sharp revealed Leeds had been tracking him for years. When he joined, he expressed his excitement and was keen to help the club move forward.
Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned.
Chaos at Leeds United Affected Sharp
When Sharp joined, Leeds United was in turmoil. Italian businessman Massimo Cellino had recently taken over, but his arrival created instability.
Cellino’s ownership came with controversies, including sacking manager Brian McDermott, only to rehire him later.
Sharp scored a winner on his Leeds debut against Middlesbrough, but this bright start didn’t last.
Leeds went through three permanent managers in a single season Dave Hockaday, Darko Milanič, and Neil Redfearn.
Each brought different tactics, and Sharp struggled to find his best form in such a turbulent environment.
The ownership drama didn’t help, Cellino was banned midway through the season after being found guilty of tax evasion in Italy. All this chaos made it hard for any player to thrive.
Sharp’s Performance at Leeds
Sharp played 35 games for Leeds, scoring just 5 goals. It was a disappointing return compared to his earlier career.
His only bright spell came in February 2015 when he scored in back-to-back matches against Watford and Ipswich.
However, these moments were rare, and Sharp failed to shine consistently.
After the 2014/15 season, Sharp returned to Sheffield United, leaving behind a Leeds team still struggling for stability.
What Went Wrong for Sharp at Leeds?
Sharp’s time at Leeds was a case of “right club, wrong time.” The club’s off-field problems and constant managerial changes made it impossible for players to settle.
Sharp admitted he had wanted to join Leeds for years, but when the opportunity finally came, it was during one of the club’s most turbulent periods.
Despite the disappointment, Sharp’s career rebounded after leaving Leeds. At Sheffield United, he became a club legend, scoring goals and helping them achieve promotion to the Premier League.
Billy Sharp’s time at Leeds United may not have been successful, but it wasn’t entirely his fault.
Leeds fans will always wonder what might have been if he had joined during a more stable time. For Sharp, it was a short and challenging chapter in an otherwise remarkable career.
For more Leeds United news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates directly to your phone.
