Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has made a decision on whether Billy Sharp would return to the Blades in a coaching capacity after announcing his retirement on Sunday.

Sharp has scored 130 goals in the division since its rebranding in 2004, a total that no other player has matched in the past 22 years.

It is difficult not to identify him with United, however, given the striker’s affection for the Steel City club has been well known over the years, and he was also a part of Wilder’s first tenure at Bramall Lane, which brought significant success.

The Blades manager is currently hoping to turn the tide in S2 after a difficult period for the club both on and off the pitch, as it is unclear whether they will face a 12-point deduction due to legal issues involving current ownership group, COH Sports, and former chairman, Prince Abdullah.

Sharp had been without a professional club since leaving Doncaster Rovers for the second time in June, but he now appears to be shifting his focus to the opposite side of the game.

Billy Sharp previously expressed his ambition to manage Sheffield United.

Sharp scored 299 goals in 813 senior appearances, playing in all four of England’s major divisions.

The Sheffield native announced his retirement on social media, prompting a flood of well-wishes from former teammates and fans.

Billy Sharp’s senior career, according to Transfermarkt

Team

Apps Goals

Assists

Sheffield United: 377, 129, 42, Doncaster Rovers: 110, 49, 17, Scunthorpe United: 93

Nottingham Forest: 55, Leeds United: 35, Southampton: 18; Rushden & Diamonds: 3.

In January, he disclosed to Football League World that he has been considering coaching for a while.Yeah, clearly, timing and opportunity arrive at different times, and as I previously stated, I am prepared for that. I’ve completed my – what are they called now? diplomas. I’ve completed my B and A licenses. I’m pursuing my LMA Managers Diploma. Sharp remarked, “I’m currently coaching as well.”That is what I want to do. I want to become a manager. I’d love to manage Sheffield United someday, but there’s a lot of work to be done first.”

Chris Wilder discusses meetings with Billy Sharp about the Sheffield United post.

Wilder, 59, has managed over 900 games in the dugout, winning over 400 of them while progressing through the divisions, with his most memorable stints being with United, Middlesbrough, and Watford.

Wilder praised Sharp’s role as captain throughout the Blades’ journey from League One to the Premier League. He also hinted at a possible coaching return to Bramall Lane.Yes, 100%. I talked to Billy about it. His objective is to become a coach. “I know he’s taken the early steps of qualification,” Wilder told the Sheffield Star.We spoke with him during the summer about possibly coming in. But we left it with him. “I believe there should always be a starting point, as everyone must prove themselves.”Can he coach? Can he deliver? Can he inspire? Can he mentor? I am confident that he can achieve it. We have had discussions. “I always think it’s really important that people understand and get this football club,” he said.

Billy Sharp would wish to continue Sheffield United’s legacy.

Former players have returned to their old clubs in managerial roles on various occasions, with Wilder being one of the most recent to do so effectively.

There is, of course, a risk that such a legacy will be tainted depending on circumstances, and while it is too early to say whether Sharp will stay as a coach for a long time or if he will become a manager sooner rather than later, there is no doubt that he would like to continue cementing his own legacy as a modern-day Sheffield United legend.