​Boss Elliot Sandy hoping Diamonds and Billy Sharp can write ‘one hell of a story’

AFC Rushden & Diamonds' FA Cup first round trip to Burton Albion was always going to be a special occasion, with the club reaching this stage of the competition for the first time.

But it has this week been given that extra sprinkling of gold dust.

The announcement that goal machine Billy Sharp is coming out of retirement to help out the club where it all started for him nearly 22 years ago has just cranked up the excitement a notch or two.

With striker James Clifton suspended for the trip to the Pirelli Stadium, Sharp, who only officially hung up his boots in October, has answered an SOS to lead the line for Diamonds on the reformed club's biggest day.

Diamonds have a special place in Sharp's heart, as the original club was where he made his first professional start in 2005 - kick-starting a career that would see him rack up 813 senior appearances.

Throw into the mix that the 40-year-old former Sheffield United, Nottingham Forest, Leeds United, Doncaster Rovers and LA Galaxy striker is on 299 career goals, and the scene is set.

The first of those goals came in a Diamonds shirt, and it would be a perfect bookend if he were to bring up the 300 in the same colours this weekend.

Diamonds boss Elliot Sandy is certainly hoping that will be the case.

"I have spoken to Billy on the phone at length, and he sounds a really top bloke, and is very grateful for the opportunity," said Sandy.

"Originally he said he didn't want to do it, because of the lads who have got the club here. But when he understood the situation, with James Clifton's suspension, he then decided to do it.

"He has been to Sheffield United back and forth and got promotions, he has been at Doncaster, and he said he has always wanted to give something back to Diamonds.

"That's because of the history he has with the old club, and it could be one hell of a story if he gets his goal and we manage to pull off a miracle. It would be great story, so let's hope we can write it."

Sharp was playing for Doncaster Rovers in league two as recently as May – scoring a hat-trick in his final game for the club at Peterborpugh United – and has been keeping things ticking over.

"He plays in the Baller League on Mondays, so he is still in shape and playing regularly," revealed the Diamonds boss.

"I know it's slightly different, but he is still fit and he knows where the net is which is the main thing!

"They may be few and far between, but I think we can go to Burton and create chances, and you just hope one drops to him because we know what he can do."

Sandy also revealed that Sharp won't just be rocking up at the Pirelli on Saturday, saying he is all in for the next few days.

"Billy is within our group, he is training all week with us, and he wants to be around it," he said. "It's not like he is just turning up and playing a game, he has said 'I want to be there as much as possible'.

"He wants to get round the lads, get used to how it all works, he is getting on the coach with us, and it is all going to be done properly."

So, is Saturday going to be the only match of this comeback?

"It looks most likely it is going to be a one off, and Billy even said that if we did manage to win and get through then that would be him done,” said Sandy.

"That's because James Clifton would then be back and he would want him to have that place.

"But he would be registered to us, so if he enjoys it we might get him the odd game here and there, if and when needed… so you just never know.”