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Billy Sharp admits he might still be at Leeds if it wasn’t for Sheffield United

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The Sheffield United captain spent a season with Saturday’s opponents, Leeds United.

Billy Sharp of Sheffield United during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday at Bramall Lane on November 9, 2018 in Sheffield, England.

Billy Sharp has admitted via the Star that had it not been for Sheffield United he might still be a Leeds United player.

Sharp spent a season at Leeds before his 2015 move back to his beloved Blades, and is set to face his former club at Bramall Lane on Saturday lunchtime.

The 32-year-old’s Elland Road spell coincided, arguably, with the Whites’ most turbulent period in recent history, which saw him go through three different managers in the space of 12 months.

And even though Sharp was not put off by the experience, he could not say no to a third spell at Sheffield United, where he now serves as captain.

“I always had this feeling I would go there (to Leeds),” he told the Star. “I’m not sure why but I remember telling my dad I thought it would happen at some point.

“If it wasn’t for United coming in for me, I might still be there because I’ve got a soft spot for that city as well.”

Billy Sharp of Leeds scores his sides first goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Leeds United and Middlesbrough at Elland Road on August 16, 2014 in Leeds, England.

And speaking to the Daily Mirror, the Blades’ 11-goal top scorer added: “At the time, I thought would be a great move, but I had three managers (David Hockaday, Darko Milanic and Neil Redfearn) that season and that was a little bit frustrating.

“I wish it had gone better, but I have fond memories of there.”

And Sharp has remained good friends with one Leeds player who will be tasked with keeping him quiet tomorrow.

“(Liam Cooper) is probably the only one there now from when I was there,” he told the Star.

“I spoke to him on Saturday, but I have not spoken to him since we both won the games in midweek. I am sure we will have a text and one maybe afterwards.”

Liam Cooper of Leeds United during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield Wednesday v Leeds United at Hillsborough Stadium on September 28, 2018 in Sheffield, England.

Should Leeds United have hung onto the Sheffield United star man?