The Championship’s all-time leading goal scorer Billy Sharp has reignited the war of words with Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson, following a recent interview with The Athletic.
Sharp’s feud with the 55-year-old stretches back to the FA Cup tie between Sheffield United and Wrexham last season, with the legendary forward labelling the Red Dragons as ‘disrespectful’ in a post-match rant following their fourth-round replay.
A last-gasp Blades equaliser ensured a 3-3 draw at The Racecourse Ground, meaning the duo would do battle again at Bramall Lane.
However, in the meantime, the draw for the fifth round took place, with either side knowing victory would see them host Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur for a place in the quarter final.
A fired up Sharp scored an injury time winner, before revealing his delight at knocking the then National League side out, believing that Wrexham thought ‘they were already through’.
Parkinson quickly responded to the former Doncaster Rovers and Leeds United striker, saying: “He’s a fantastic player but I thought he was disrespectful after the game. The way their players celebrated was a mark of how tough we made it for them.
“My message to Billy is: you’re better than that. My players are humble people and they’re a credit to the football club.”
What has Sharp said about the club and Parkinson?
More than six months after the events, and with the 37-year-old now plying his trade outside of England, Sharp has reignited his spat with the Welsh club.
He said: “I scored the goal which knocked them out (of the FA Cup), and a little scuffle happened in the changing room.
“I don’t really like their manager anyway from past experiences, and he probably doesn’t like me. It’s just one of those things in football where it sometimes gets very overheated. I know what they’re going to do; they’re going to show the clips that make me look like a baddie. That’s fine.
“I’ll wait to see what happens and have my say afterwards. The record book says we beat them in the FA Cup, so they can have a documentary about it if they want.”
Writer’s view
Sharp is now at the back end of his career, and after moving to MLS outfit LA Galaxy in the summer, it would seem highly unlikely that he will come face-to-face with a Phil Parkinson team again, unless the League Two side embark on another US tour.
There may be temptations for the 37-year-old to continue his Football League story in a coaching capacity in the future, so the pair may one day continue their war of words on the touchline.
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