The New Leeds United Spotlight Series: Billy Sharp

By Alton Harewood

SPOTLIGHT ON: Billy Sharp

Vital Statistics

DOB: Feb 5, 1986
POB: Sheffield, England
Height: 1.75m (5ft 9in)
Position: Striker


Billy Sharp’s name is not new to Leeds fans. When news of his transfer first hit the rumour mills several fans posted comments attributed to him from a previous transfer encounter. This time though, the rumours were real and the 28-year old joined Leeds during a flurry of transfer activity in mid-August. An established striker he was a welcome arrival. 

Though he was contracted to Southampton, Billy has been playing on loan for Nottingham Forest, Reading and Doncaster. He appears to have had a fitness challenge not quite making it into the Premier League’s first team. Fortunately, there is a big gap between Premier League and Championship fitness expectations and upon his arrival he was immediately inserted into the Leeds squad as number 8. Billy scored late in his opening game against Middlesbrough to help Leeds secure three much needed points early in the season.

A great deal is on Billy’s shoulders as a key striker for the team and he will rely greatly on the midfield to provide good service as he makes his runs. His goal off a rebound from a Tonge shot was typical of his poaching capability and exactly the opportunist goalscoring needed in what will be a difficult year for a vastly changed Leeds United.

Off the field Billy and his partner Jade created The Luey Jacob Sharp Foundation @foundationljs, a charity raising money for research into the cause of gastroschisis, the cause of his first son’s death at just two-days old in October 2011. Luey was born in Leeds. Billy & Jade’s second child Leo is 18 months old.

Billy leaves his heart on the field and fans will love his passion as demonstrated in his tweet after the first goal:

"So happy right now,feel very proud to be a Leeds utd player,great 3 points hard thought win and a debut goal that I will never forget "

Good to see too that he’s already got Leo kitted up!

Welcome to Leeds Billy MOT!

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