Billy Sharp Among Seven Released by Doncaster Rovers

Doncaster Rovers have released Billy Sharp and six other players after their season ended, cutting loose a group that includes the 40-year-old striker who helped them win promotion last year. Sharp leaves after 11 goals in 44 appearances in all competitions and after saying last week that he wanted to keep playing next season.

Sharp’s Second-Half Equaliser

His exit closes another short chapter in a third spell at the club. Sharp scored in his final home game for Doncaster, equalising in the second half against Stevenage, a last touch that at least gave the crowd one more reminder of what he brought when fit.

The move comes after a season in which he again carried a scoring burden for a side trying to settle into League One. Sharp, who has scored 296 goals in his senior career, returned last season and helped Doncaster win promotion before this campaign.

McCann’s Seven Departures

Grant McCann also moved on Zain Westbrooke, Ben Close, Joseph Sbarra, Jordan Gibson, Kyle Hurst and James Maxwell. Westbrooke and Hurst spent this season on loan at Scunthorpe United, while Sbarra had time with Solihull Moors in the fifth tier.

Close made 31 appearances this season and 124 in total since joining in 2021. Gibson made 51 appearances this term and 103 in total, while Maxwell leaves having made 117 appearances. That gives Doncaster a clean sweep through a squad group that included players who had been regulars, loanees and a veteran forward trying to extend his career into his forties.

Doncaster’s Final Week

McCann said, “I want to thank every player who will be leaving the club for what they have given during their time here. Each of them has played a part in our journey.” He added, “They've given everything for the badge, day in and day out. Some leave us as League Two champions and others have shown real grit and professionalism to help us compete in League One this year, but all of them have contributed to what we are building.”

Doncaster travel to Peterborough United for their final game of the season on Saturday at 15:00 BST, with McCann’s side able to finish anywhere between 13th and 16th in League One. The departures arrive with the club already moving toward that final league position, and the list leaves Sharp’s second return to the club as the most visible exit.