It has been an incredible first full season for Scunthorpe's Billy Sharp as he has taken League One by storm. Scunthorpe manager Brian Laws snapped up the 20-year-old in the summer for £100,000 and it has proved to be money well spent for the Iron.
Sharp has banged in 22 goals and formed a fearsome partnership with Andrew Keogh as United have established themselves in League One after last year's promotion. There were concerns over whether they would score enough goals this season following Paul Hayes' departure to Barnsley in the summer, but Sharp has filled the void.
The former Sheffield United trainee only managed to garner two first team appearances for Neil Warnock's side. However, a loan spell at Rushden last season, which saw him bag nine goals in only 16 appearances brought him to the attention of many managers.
The culmination of an excellent first season at Glanford Park was reached on Sunday evening when Sharp attended the glitzy PFA awards evening at the Grosvenor House Hotel. Not only did Sharp have an enjoyable evening with his Scunthorpe teammates and a host of other stars, but he also celebrated being named in the PFA Divisional team of the year for League One.
It is an experience that has left an indelible mark on Sharp. "It is brilliant," he confessed. "It is my first season and such a privilege to be in a place like this (Grosvenor House) with so many good players such as Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney.
"I'd like to thank everyone who voted for me, as I am delighted with the award. This is the first PFA Awards ceremony I have been to and I was delighted to come and pick this award up. This has surpassed all my expectations and is a big surprise.
"I needed to get my career started this year and I have managed to do pretty well. This award means a lot to me. Brian Laws brought me to Scunthorpe United and had faith in me. He put me in the team on a regular basis. Hopefully I have managed to repay him."
However, Sharp hasn't forgotten the role that Rushden played in his football education last season. With the Diamonds staring relegation to the Conference in the face, it is a tough time for the Northamptonshire club.
Whatever the outcome of their campaign, Sharp admits he will always be indebted to the club for the leg up they gave him on the professional ladder. "Playing at Rushden at the foot of League Two when they were struggling certainly helped my character," continued Sharp. "I wish them al the best this season as it is a great little club. They boys there were brilliant. They helped me out a lot and gave me valuable experience.
"On a personal note, everyone wants to play at the top level and that is my main aim. I will just carry on as I have been for the remainder of this season and hopefully have another successful one next year."
