Doncaster Rovers signing Billy Sharp on why his time at Hull City left him 'gutted' - and reconnecting with Rovers fans

After leaving boyhood club Sheffield United in the summer of 2023, Sharp had a short stay in the MLS at La Galaxy before coming home and linking up with Championship play-off candidates Hull at the start of 2024.

Despite loving his time in and around the club, the 38-year-old failed to find the net in his time there and is seeking to make up for lost time on that front in his fourth stint at Rovers and quickly connect with the fans - something he felt he didn't do at the MKM Stadium.

Sharp, who didn't score in 13 appearances in all competitions for the Tigers, said: "The move to Hull was a great challenge for me, it was a great club.

"I must admit the changing room was one of the best I've been in and I was only there for four months. They made me feel really welcome. I was just gutted I couldn't contribute more on the pitch.

" I play football to score goals and I had two starts. The manager was brilliant with me and I learned a lot from him. We played in a way like Manchester City play.

"We had all the possession against every team, but just came up short and didn't mean the play-offs and I was gutted I didn't get a goal for the fans because it's the first time I have never scored at a club I have been at and the first time I have not scored in English football for a season in over 20 years. It hurt me and it was a kick in the teeth.

"The one big disappointment of my time at Hull was that I didn't really connect with the fans. I know if I'd got that first goal - I had that chance at Rotherham - I'd have gone on a run. It just wasn't to be. I'd have loved to just get one and my 250th league goal, but it wasn't meant to be."

He continued: "I want to get that first goal (at Doncaster) and get that connection with the fans. You feed off them, especially me. I thrive off the fan backing. I can’t wait to get going."

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Alongside chasing his 250th league goal, Sharp is eyeing a sixth promotion in his career at Rovers, a club which will always be close to his heart.

A Sheffield United fan by birth and a lifelong Blade, Rovers are his second football love - a club where he has provided a medley of goalscoring memories - with the club also doing their bit for him.

None moreso when they were there by his and his family’s side to offer total and instinctive support following the tragic death of his two-day old son Luey Jacob in the autumn of 2011.

It ensured that a bond would always be there between Sharp and Rovers.

On rejoining Rovers, Sharp added: "I was just about to go on holiday and I got a call which I was obviously really interested in.

"I went away and had a little think about it and made a decision with my family that I wanted to give it a go and it was the next step and challenge for my career.

"It suited me. It's local to me and (with) my last (summer) move to the MLS, La Galaxy was one where this time last year I was out of contract for the first time in my career and made a decision with the family to go full-blooded at that. We all went there and had an incredible time.

"I loved every single minute of it and it was probably the best thing for me after leaving Sheffield United.

"Part of me was thinking about retiring, but I still love playing football and this is why I have made this choice this time as everybody knows that Doncaster has a special place in my heart and it got me through some incredibly tough times personally.

"I've had some good times at Doncaster on the pitch as well and want to be part of getting promotion. There's no hiding away from that.

"With the way Doncaster finished last season, hopefully we will take that momentum after just falling short.

"I'm no spring chicken any more, but still feel as if I can play 40 games in a season."