Archive for the ‘Interviews’ Category

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH – Colin Osborne.

Staff writer Andrew Devonshire is delighted to bring you an exclusive interview with ‘The Wizard’ Colin Osborne. Colin is one of the top players in the PDC and the current Championship League  Darts champion.

Hello Colin, it’s great to be interviewing you for Darts, Beers & Cheers. How’s your year going so far, are you happy with your game ?

To be fair to myself, i haven’t had the best year so far, my form has not been great but hopefully i can kick on and finish strong in the latter part of it ..!!!!

Have you always wanted to be a Professional Dart player, is it all you imagined it to be ?

I don’t think i ever thought about being a pro player, it was just something that happened  i suppose, right place at the right time ..!!

Your well established now within the PDC, what were you doing in the darts world prior to joining the PDC ?

Nothing really, i only ever played a couple of County games and super-league and played in the pub teams.

Your known as ‘The Wizard’, who thought of the nickname and why ‘The Wizard’ ?

It was when i entered my first PDC competition and got to the last 8 in a UK Open qualifier. A Mr Scott Gibling recommended it (Osborne…wizard of oz) and it’s stuck from there really.

Do you enjoy playing in front of the TV cameras and what was it like the very first time ?

I love playing in front of the TV cameras. The first time was at the UK Open finals at Bolton where I reached the last 8, it was such a great buzz. It’s like a nervous excitement feeling which I get all the time now when a TV major is on the horizon !!

Can you remember the first time you hit a 9 darter, was it alone in practice and what did it feel like ?

My very first 9 darter I hit was in a competitive match a week after I got to the last 8 in the UK Open finals. It was in the qualifiers for the World Matchplay which were at the Isle of Wight, it was the first leg of my game against Ken Thomas from Wales, After I hit it I just got on with the next leg, won the match and also qualified for the Matchplay. It wasn’t until later that evening that I realised what I had achieved.. !!

There are rumours of a PDC event being broadcast on the BBC, if this goes ahead would you like to see a new style event introduced to keep things fresh ?

I think it would be good if we had something different like a pair’s event.

Aside from Phil Taylor, who’s the toughest opponent you’ve played ?

Phil is always the man to beat, but the standard is so high right through the field every game you go into is so tough it doesn’t matter who you play ..!!!

Your one of a handful of players to have beaten Phil Taylor in a final when you won the Championship League Darts, what was that moment like ?

It’s hard to describe really to have known that i had just beaten the best darts player that as ever walked the planet and that ever will, it was all my dreams, christmas’ and everything else come at once.. !!!!!!!!!!

Is the Premier league with it’s huge crowds something you would relish and aim to be a part of ?

I would love to have a crack at the Premier league, but it’s something i try not to think about because it’s the pro tour all year that pays the bills..!!

How often do you practice and do you enjoy this part of the game ?

I’m not the best practicer in the world, but if i don’t do it nobody will do it for me. Andy Hamilton and myself try to get a few hours in here and there when we can, 2-3 hours a day when we’re not travelling.

We’re coming in to a busy time on the darts calender right now, you must be excited knowing that your going to be a big part of it ?

It is a very busy time from now until the end of the year and it’s a great feeling to know that i am in all the TV events and going to be competing in all the other events on the floor as well, i’m really looking forward to this..!!

Many thanks Colin for the interview and from all of us at Darts, Beers & Cheers, continued success for the year and beyond and hopefully see you in the Premier league.

Just like to say thanks Andrew to you and all your members..

Colin Osborne……..The Wizard….!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Colin Osborne Interview brought to you by Andrew Devonshire.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH – DENNIS PRIESTLEY

Staff writer Andrew Devonshire interviews the one and only Dennis Priestley this month. Dennis is a true legend of the game of darts and Darts, Beers & Cheers are delighted to have had this chat with Dennis as he winds down his wonderful career.

Hello Dennis, it’s great to be interviewing you. 2010 is your winding down year, will this definitely be your last year and are you filled with sadness at the thought of this ?

No sadness at all. I will still compete in the TV tournaments where ever i am invited.

You’ve had a remarkable career and been at the yop so long, you must look back with great pride & satisfaction at everything you’ve achieved ?

Yes it’s been a rollercoaster ride for 20 years, I’ve probably under achieved if anything.

When you first started out playing darts in Yorkshire, was it just as a hobby, or did you believe you could go further ?

Yes it was just a hobby to begin with, all those years ago !!

It must have been an incredible experience when you won the World Championship in 1991, going into the event what were your goals for the week  ?

To get into the last 8, so i would be invited back the following year.

Throughout your long & successful career there must have been low points along the way, what would you say was your lowest point on the oche ?

It has to be defending my World title in 1995 and losing to John Lowe 3 sets to nil. I couldn’t hit a double to save my life, or as they say, a cow’s arse with a shovel !!

You’ve been Phil Taylor’s biggest rival, aside from Phil who’s been your toughest opponent ?

After Phil to be honest, no one stands out as a rival thats given me problems.

You’ve played darts and won tournaments all over the world, is there a particular place/event you’ve enjoyed going back to again and again ?

There are many, but probably enjoyed Canada the most.

Have you ever hit a 9 darter in competition and can you remember the first time you achieved the feat ?

Yes i hit one in the Chicago Open, i also hit one on cable TV  in Canada. At an exhibition in London i hit two 9 darters  and missed the double 18 for a third  !!

Your 60 yrs of age now, do you wish you were 20 yrs younger and starting all over again with the way darts is booming ?

Yes please, i would make a fortune !

You throw quite a lightweight dart, has this always been the case ?

No, i actually started off throwing a 26 grm dart.

You’ve won PDC Tour events as recent as 2009 and your still ranked in the top 16, do you hope to pick up another tour title before the end of  2010 ?

Yes that would be really nice, I’ll try my hardest.

You’ve cut back your schedule of events this year, has it been nice being at home or have you been getting under Jenny’s feet ?

Yes to both lol !!

When you do eventually call it a day on the PDC  Tour, do you intend to walk away completely or are you going to be a ‘menace’ on the Legends Tour ?

I’m going to always be a ‘menace’, hopefully that will happen with the Legends.

Thank you very much Dennis for your time and I’m sure i speak for thousands of your fans in congratulating on your recent 60th birthday and thank you for all the sheer brilliance you have given us on the oche over the years.

Good luck and continued success for the rest of 2010 and a happy retirement- whenever that time may arise from us all at Darts, Beers & Cheers.

Interview brought to you by Andrew Devonshire (Great interview Andrew – Krispy)

Dave Holland interviews; Krispy, of Darts, Beers & Cheers!

You read right, in a bizarre twist, I was contacted by Dave Holland (who looks after a whole stable of PDC pros), who challenged me to take my own medicine and answer some questions of his, so you could all find out a bit more about the man behind this website.  Hopefully it won’t be too painful for you all – normal service will be resumed I’m sure!  Dave is a great bloke who does a LOT to help darts players himself – currently he’s running an appeal for people to donote a £1 (or more if you can) to ensure that Dave Ladley can finish this years pro tour and make his tour card for next year, you can find out more here; http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=556060568#!/group.php?gid=112582118794539, I am told that Dennis Priestly has donated an old match shirt (fully signed!) to auction.

Over to Dave Holland for a while…

Interview of Kristian ‘Krispy’ Brown

For people who don’t know Krispy he dedicates all his spare time into keeping us all updated on the website, all his work is done simply for his love of the game and for people like us who want to keep up to date with what is happening in the game we all love…..so lets find out more about the man behind what is becoming the most read darts website .

Q.  How long has the darts beers and cheers website been running now and what made you decide to start it?

I started this website early January 2010, so only 7 months ago – but it feels much longer.  Not in a bad way, but because of all the things I’ve posted, written about, and done in the world of darts since I started it up.

I decided to create the website because I’d been loving the darts on TV for 3 or 4 years now, after re-discovering it on Sky  (Premier League first) after watching it as a kid on BBC.  I’ve created websites for years now, and have run community ‘fansites’ for a number of online computer games (oh dear, sounds like I’m a geek), so know the ropes of running successful fan involved websites, and how to work with the organisations and companies involved.

So I thought, “why not combine the two?”  I did have a look around, and saw there were many great forums (The Stars of Darts, Double Finish, Darts forum and more), but not many ‘serious’ article lead sites, so that’s where I thought my ‘niche’ would be.  I also wanted to create a family friendly website where anyone (player or fan) could dip in to find out results, news, a bit of gossip, and also learn more about the players themselves, from a fans point of view.

Q. You are renowned for keeping the website update daily ( and most times hourly)  on average how long do you spend a day on the website?

My wife smiled a knowing smile at this one.. so lets just say, probably too much time!  I would say, unless I’m out or playing darts myself, I probably spend 2-3 hours a day either updating the site, or browsing darts forums, keeping in contact with people on Facebook or twitter, or just bothering players or people like yourself to get content for the website.  So that’s 20-30 hours a week – it’s often more when there’s a darts tournament on, as I’m often in twitter chatting about the games, and updating scores here.

I find that it’s best to create websites and write about things you are really into, as if you’re not, it will be obvious to anyone reading it, and it will become a chore, especially the amount of time I put in!

Q. And is the website your only project and do you also work full time?

If someone could come forward with the funding to run a darts website like this full time so I could leave my job, BRING IT ON.   The good thing is that because I work designing and writing computer systems in my day job, knocking up websites like this is a bit of a busman’s holiday.  Some people at work think I’m mad spending all night on a laptop when I’m on a PC all day.  They are probably right!

This isn’t my only project – I’ve run many websites in the last 16 years… I currently have about 8 on the go!  Luckily most don’t need too much time; else I’d never be able to keep them all.  My busiest website, a short story website (I don’t write for it, I just give writers somewhere to post their stories), now gets a million hits a month, which is quite amazing.

Q.  What benefits do you get from doing the website for us?

Most of the benefits are intangible… but if I knew how much I’d get out of it I would have started this website years ago!   The benefits as I see it are; through contacting the players and people like yourself I’ve met and spoken to some of my hero’s, and realised than nearly everyone in darts are great people.  The friendships I’ve already made have seen me invited to the pro tour, which is an exclusive treat to any darts fan, as the only way to see professional darts played that close up and personal is to be invited by a player or the PDC.

Red Dragon darts (Simon Hall their marketing director) have also been very supportive after finding my website and contacting me.  They have been kind enough to supply me with darts for prizes, and a few items to review for myself.

So I guess the main benefit is being part of the PDC darts scene, being recognised by fans and players & officials, and being paid a level of respect for my growing knowledge and ‘influence’.  That alone is really rewarding to me, as I’ll never get that far as a player with my game!

Q. Like most people who love the game of darts do you play too? and if so at what level?

I don’t think many people who watch and love darts as a fan doesn’t chuck an arrow or two, even if just at home in secret.   I’m in the ‘just at home’ camp to be honest… I play my good mate Lee ‘Danger’ Griffin every few weeks.  Lee is a pub league player, who loves watching as much as he does playing.    I’ve once entered his clubs singles tournament, and went out round one to a much better player.  Our games are 21 legs (that’s 21 whatever the score, not best of), and last 3+ hours.  I think I average 45 on a good day.. my best darts come in 2 or 3 leg bursts, where I can average 60-70 .. then back down to the hum-drum.  I think 18 darts is my best leg, and I’ve only hit 3 180’s (two in three legs when I first got my Unicorn Sigma’s and thought that I had found THE darts).

I’ve got a Unicorn Dartsmate set-up permanently in my back room, so can throw a dart every now and then when I’m waiting for the kettle to boil.  I don’t practice enough to be good!

Q. Your floor event diary’s are a good insight to the game….what’s your favourite moment from these events ?

Hmm, a tough one.  I’ve only been to a couple so far, and hope to get to many more (Derby in November is booked up).  “What happens on the tour, stays of the tour” is the motto… so I think I’d go for how it felt to be standing at the barrier supporting Justin Pipe the weekend after we (The Stars of Darts sponsorship members) voted for Justin to win our sponsorship.

Justin had chatted with me on the phone a few days before that weekend, and he was very welcoming at the event, introducing me to Gary Anderson. He then went on a great run, making the semi final, his best result so far – and I was there and felt part of it with him.  To have a player walk away from the oche after winning a game and high five you and chat excitedly with you afterwards.. well I’m not sure how closer to the sport you can come without being good enough to take part yourself.  There are very few sports when the fans can get those close, or where those taking part are so down to earth and approachable.

Q. Who is your favourite player?

This is a really tough one – because it seems to change all the time (probably started with Peter Manley and Wayne Mardle), and also because I’ve tried to put myself ‘on the fence’ as far as the players are concerned,  as I don’t want my website to be seen to be backing a single player, rather supporting all the players on the PDC (and BDO) tour.

BUT: I have to say I’m enjoying Whitlock’s rise up the rankings, and hope he will challenge Taylor in the new few years to come.  He’s such a laid back character too; he just comes across so well.  My darts ‘friends’ who I always root for when playing are Justin Pipe (esp. as I’m one of his sponsors in a small way!), Steve Maish (he’s a top bloke and friend to me), Jamie Caven, and of course Dave ‘Ladders’ Ladley. The list keeps growing, though, as I meet and chat with more and more players!

Q. If a certain Mr Taylor was not about….who do you think would be the world number 1?

I think that if Taylor hadn’t been playing, then Raymond van Barneveld would have won many more world championships.  Barney on top form is definitely the world number 2 for me, but he’s not been right for some time, losing confidence after taking some beatings from Taylor.

Therefore without having Taylor there to have that effect on his mental confidence, I think that Barney would have dominated darts (to a lesser extend than Taylor has).

Q. You recent attended a behind closed doors media day for the European championships on Bravo ….Tell us more about that and how you was invited to attend?

Ahh it’s another one of those things that fell into my lap since I created this website.  The PR agency that looks after Virgin TV must have searched the web for ‘darts bloggers’ – and found my website.  They got in touch and asked if I’d like to work with them to help promote their Euro Champs coverage, getting info/images/interviews in return for me posting up stories.

They seemed to like my passion for the game, and asked me along to their ‘press event’.  It was a bit daunting, as I think I was the only ‘non professional’ journalist there, and I was rubbing shoulders with some of the ‘names’ in the PDC darts scene.  The great thing was that I was accepted as much as the guys from the sun – Barry Hearn was very open and chatty – and even did me the compliment of saying he has read my website (I don’t care if it was just him being polite!).  After meeting him I realised that he’s a real sports fan, loves his darts, and is also obviously a canny businessman.

It was also great to meet Dave Allen again (3rd time now, he must think I’m stalking him), and Róisín O’Shea from Unicorn darts.

Q. And tell us about the game you played whilst there against Phil Taylor…How did that feel?

Yes that was brilliant.  I did take my darts along to the press event, just in case.  To be honest I really hoped I could play against Taylor, even thought I’m embarrassingly bad for someone who talks and writes so much about the game.

So when Russ Bray was asking for anyone to volunteer to play, and the Bravo team started chanting my name – how could I refuse!?  It was nerve wracking to say the least, but you know what, I did walk up thinking “Phil’s not playing well, he’s tired, it’s MY CHANCE!” Haha, what a muppet I was.  I can’t remember much about it, I know the excitement put too much fizz in my arm, and twice I put two darts outside the double twenty… doh!  It would have been hard enough to challenge The Power as it was, without only getting one scoring dart!  Russ was having a laugh at my expense though, which even I had to chuckle at.    I got to shake Taylors hand after a game of darts, which is something not many punters get to do!

Q. And finally ….where do you see the darts beers and cheers website going…..can it get better? what plans do you have ?

I wish for starters I had more time, as I’m sure there would be lots more I could be doing.  I do want to keep improving it, by having more info and useful stuff alongside the ‘fans view’ write-ups and articles.

The approach of the site is what makes it I think, fans like me writing about darts for other fans to read.  The fact that players and people in the PDC also read it is a great compliment!

I’d like to add an events diary where people can add their exhibitions and tournaments, and possibly slowly add articles on how to play or improve your game of darts.  There’s no point in adding a tradition forum or stats database as there already are greats sites out there which do those things so well!

I think my ultimate reward would be when I hear my website mentioned on a televised tournament, or when I am invited on a regular basis to the darts events as a darts journalist.

Well cheers to Dave Holland (his website here), for asking me some questions for a change.  Sorry to everyone if I rambled, I know I go on.  Hopefully you now know a bit more about me, your host    We shall resume normal service after this short blip. hehe.

Dave Gorman – Interview with Bravo TV’s Euro champs presenter

While we all enjoy the World Match Play from Blackpool, don’t forget that Bravo TV will be showing the European Championship of Darts next week (more info here; runs Thurs 29th August – Sun 1st August).  Bravo are promising to bring something new to darts tournaments – a fresh new approach.  You can find the draw and format of play HERE.

To celebrate Bravo bringing the darts to the masses, I have an exclusive interview with one of their presenters; Dave Gorman, stand up comedian, writer, and TV & Radio personality (I’m sure he has a personality off TV and Radio too!).

Over to Dave, and as they always say to comedians… “say something FUNNY!”

See Phil 'The Power' Taylor and Dave 'The Badger' Gorman on Bravo TV's Coverage of the Euro Darts Championships

Dave Gorman Interview

Q.  Some of your less obsessive fans may not realise that you are a bit of a darts nut.  When did that start, and what got you into darts?

I followed darts as a kid. I used to love John Lowe. We were gathered round the telly watching as he hit his 9 dart finish and we were watching when Keith Deller won in 1983 too. We used to love it. My twin brother had a dartboard in his room and we used to play a fair amount. Like kids taking a sudden interest in tennis during Wimbledon I’m sure the board took a hell of a pounding during and shortly after the World Championships and then lay relatively fallow for months. I followed it off and on since but with the touring I was doing a few years ago it was impossible. I used to be away from home for 8 or 9 months of the year so I’d never subscribe to Sky Sports of anything like it because it always seemed so extravagant for the amount of viewing I’d get out of it but then I stopped touring for a while and got my TV set up and found darts was one of the sports that I got even more into than before. But I still wasn’t playing. Then this year, as I was watching Simon Whitlock I realised how odd it was that I would watch this sport so avidly but not actually play it anymore. I mean it’s not exactly a difficult game to get into… so I went out and bought some darts.

Q.  How is your own game going?  What darts are in your wallet at the moment?

I’ve tried an embarrassingly large number of darts. But I come back to the same set and am going to settle on them. 22g Dum Dums (Unicorn) only with Phase 5 stems, slikstiks etc. I use extra strong flights too.
I was getting better and better and then I hit a slump. Most of my darts happens in my spare room and I’m not very disciplined so it’s very easy to spend time just hammering the 20s(or at least trying to) instead of any practice routines that would improve the rest of my game. I really need to take my game out of the spare room and play some other people. I’ve now hit 13 180s. The last 6 of them came in a period of 2 weeks… and then since then, nothing. I think I’d started to overthink my throw, believing that I’d got somewhere and I might be able to improve if I thought about every part of what I was doing and tried to make it more systematic. But I turned to cack. I tried different darts to see if I could loosen myself up and just throw them for a while… and it’s started to get better again. Not back to where I was by any means but better. And I’ve gone back to the Dum Dums.

Q.  How closely do you follow the professional darts, and do you have many players on speed-dial yet?

I’m not obsessive about it – I don’t have time to be. I follow it when I can. I’m not mates with any of the players. Just a fan from afar.

Q.  When I think of darts presenting, I have to admit your name didn’t jump out immediately – how did this gig with Bravo come about?

Well they’d know more about that than me but I think they decided they wanted to try darts on the channel and thought that as they’d never done it before they’d like to do something different with it. Someone must have told them that I like it – which isn’t hard to find out if you follow me on twitter or read my blog or whatever – and they thought that maybe getting me involved might be a good way of doing something new. Of course that remains to be seen as yet!

Q.  Are you doing any special preparation for your stint as darts presenter?  Any ‘Motty’ like stats cramming?

Nope. I don’t have time. And in all honesty I don’t think it’s my job. There’s a very professional anchor for the shows in the shape of James Richardson and there’s a professional team of commentators too. I’m more your minister without portfolio. I’m sure the hardcore darts fans will watch the show whoever is presenting. But I think there are other people out there who would love darts if it was made more accessible to them. I hope that by being honest about what I enjoy about it and by _showing_ that enjoyment some of those people will find their inner dart fan.

Q.  Any hot tips on who’s going to win or do well in the competition?

You’d always be mad to bet against Phil Taylor obviously but I think he’s drawn an interesting first round in Co Stompe. He’s had some form recently – they both came away from Vegas with a win – and in the shorter games in the opening rounds you never know. I think Andy Smith has an opportunity to do something against Paul Nicholson in the first round – that looks like an interesting one – but the field is full of people who can do it on the day. With so many first round matches that are hard to call, I wouldn’t dare try and pick a winner for the whole thing. Some of the European qualifiers are unknown to me but I guess Tomas Seyler has the best chance of getting through the first round as he’s got Michael van Gerwen. No disrespect to van Gerwen… but when he’s recovering from a broken collarbone he has to be vulnerable.

Q.  As any good sports presenter knows, you’re only as good as your clichés – have you got any catchphrases at the ready that you want to introduce into the darting vocabulary?

Not yet. Let’s see what happens.

Q.   What should be expect from Dave Gorman the sports presenter… Des Lynam on valium or Sid Waddell on poppers…  Or something on that sliding scale?

Just me. On caffeine.

Q.  After his short foray into darts commentary and punditry, are you worried about being “the poor mans Stephen Fry”?

There’s only one man on this earth who isn’t a poor man’s Stephen Fry and that’s Stephen Fry.

Well I think that the darts is in safe hands with Dave, and if the power goes down (in more ways than one) at this tournament, we won’t be short of other forms of entertainment.  Remember to tune into Bravo TV on Thursday 29th July (7pm?) to see the darting action from Germany. You can get inside info and gossip on twitter by following Bravo_darts .. or me!

You can find the Bravo channel on;

• Virgin Media: Channel 136
• Sky: Channel 123

Simon Whitlock interview, for Darts, Beers & Cheers!

The exclusive interviews are coming in thick n fast now – thanks to all those players and officials (and walk on girls!) who have agreed to answer my questions.

To coincide with tonights start of the World Match Play, I have been very lucky to get an exclusive interview with Simon Whitlock, a real man of 2010, who is shooting up the world rankings, and is seen as one of the few players who will be competing for the number 1 spot in the next years to come.

I have to thank my friends at Red Dragon darts for making Simon available to me – Whitlock of course throws Red Dragon darts (get em here).  Good luck to Simon, who will be starting his 1st round game in Blackpool against Tony Eccles on Monday (approx 8pm).

Q.  How are you finding life in the UK now you’re living and playing darts here?

It’s a little bit colder which is nice, I’ve always loved coming over to the UK to stay and play darts as UK dart players are more aware of the professional game, and everywhere you go people are mad to play.

Q. How does the pro tour compare between the UK and Australia?  Is there a different atmosphere or attitude between players?

In Australia we have to travel much further distances to events so all of the players on tour tend to be a bit more regional as opposed to the top guys who make every event.  The guys who travel to every event tend to be quite close, as we share the same travel pains!!

Q.  A lot was made of your foot/heel injury just before your start in the premier league – how is that now, and how much did it actually affect you (all we have to go by is the Sky commentators)

I hurt my heel whilst back in Oz and its been a real bind to be honest and has taken longer than I thought to get over. To be honest it’s been like a dull toothache that you know is there and always just twinges, so it did affect me. I’m happy it’s much better now.

Q.  What I’ve noticed this year is that most of the time your doubles have been awesome – is it true you only practice doubles?  What is a typical practice routine for you?

That would be telling!! In my practice I try to replicate game intensity and situations so that that I can be ready for them in games. I don’t practice solely on doubles, right now I’m in a Champions Choice phase at the moment as the reduced doubles and trebles are so hard to hit, they really frustrate you.

I see doubles as just another section on the dartboard and try not to attach too much importance to them as it can paralyse your throw.

I do work with different sets of my darts so that I don’t get attached to one set, but too be fair my darts are all made exactly the same anyway.

Q.  The darts crowds seem to have warmed to you very quickly since joining the PDC – has that surprised you, especially as our countries are normally locked in sporting competition?

Ha Ha yes a little, but I’ve played darts in the UK for many years so maybe a few of the crowd know me from before.

It’s a real honour for me that so many of the UK darts crowd like my game and get behind me, and it genuinely means a lot to me and I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who’s cheered me on.

Q.  You obviously had some success in the BDO and have been playing for years, but have you been surprised how quickly things have happened for you in the PDC?  (world final, sponsorships, prem league play offs, floor event wins etc).  Have you had time since the worlds to take it all in?   Has it surprised you – or is it all part of a plan you’ve been working too?

I’d like to say that it was part of my plan, but it wasn’t I’m afraid. I don’t set a clear plan in terms of winning this event, or that event I just prepare myself as well as I can for the event I’m going to play in. If I get cluttered up in saying I need a top 16 to make the next TV event I find it get in the way of playing my best darts.

I’m really happy how things have gone since leaving the BDO, I know that it’s contentious to say about standards of darts etc but there are still loads of tough games in the BDO, and it was great preparation for what I’m facing now.

What really helped me is learning to win games no matter what the event it is, even if it’s you and a few of the boys on a Friday night chucking in a few bucks.

Q.  You come across as fairly quiet and introverted (in fact an atypical aussie) – is that fair, or is it just how you like to portray yourself in the darts arena?

Er, what’s introverted!! If you mean laid back and happy then yeah I guess I am but I’m not that quiet.

Q.  Are there any players on the PDC tour who you would say are your mates?  Do you think the other players have welcomed you as much as the fans seem to have?

I’m close with James Wade, Mark Webster and Merv King, but all the players have been great to me which is really nice and I’ve met so many characters on tour.

Q. You’ve shot up the rankings – have you set yourself a target?   Do you feel (like many fans do) that you will be one of a select few pros who will be there challenging for Phil Taylors crown in the coming years?

Nah I haven’t, I take every event as it comes and I work hard so that I believe I can win every game. I’ll leave the speculation to you guys.

Q. Based on the way things are going, can you see yourself living in the UK for some time to come?

Definitely, I’m going to buy a place over here when I’ve got everything sorted.

It’s really hard juggling my home life with the demands of travelling on tour but luckily I’ve got some great help behind me now and it makes all the difference.

Q.  What are you interests outside of darts – and is there anything specific you miss having moved to the UK, and anything that you’ve been pleasantly surprised at?

Fishing, I love fishing and I do miss the odd early morning beach cast.

I’m surprised how many people come up to me in the street, at airports etc and say hello and good luck – it’s great I love it!!

Great stuff from Simon there – he comes across in the interview just as he does watching him on TV, very laid back and easy going.  Next time I see him on the pro tour I’ll say hello properly, rather than just grinning like a loon as I did back in Wigan when sitting on his table

Dave Clark – Sky’s top darts presenter talks to Darts, Beers & Cheers!

With the PDC World Match Play only two days away, I have managed a darting coup.. as with pinpoint timing I have been lucky enough to have a few questions answered by Sky sport’s top man, Dave “interviewed The Power 100′s times” Clark.

If you’ve ever watched any PDC darts on Sky TV, you’ll have seen Dave Clark – he’s THE recognisable frontman for darts. Being part of the darts world, he’s also a great bloke, and readily agreed to help out our little corner of darting fandom.  If you want to hear from behind the schemes of the World Match Play in Blackpool, you can follow Dave on Twitter; @davecskydarts.  The semi and final will be in 3D this year – a first for darts.  Dave just told me it will blow my socks off!  I better get myself to a pub showing it then.

So on with the interview!

Q.  You’re probably the most recognised ‘face of darts presenting’ in th UK right now, but I’d love to know how and when you first got involved in darts?  How much did you know about darts before you started presenting the darts?

I’ve been a fan of darts for years.  I got into it as a kid watching indoor league on Yorkshire TV.  We had a board at home and I’d play for hours with my big brother.  When I was on Sky Sports News I used to go to The Circus Tavern as a fan and just loved the buzz around the sport. I started  filling in for Jeff Stelling and when his football commitments took over … I eventually took over presenting the show.

Q.  I’ve heard it said that darts is Sky’s 2nd most watched sport on average (not sure how that’s been calculated), but whatever the figures, it’s definitely been a big success.  Did you ever think darts would be such a big night on Sky when you first started the coverage?

It’s a combination of factors that’s made the sport so big.  Sky’s coverage brings theatre to the event, the music, lighting, amazing openers to shows and the way the live action is produced and directed makes it look like a party you want to be at.

Without Phil Taylor the sport would not have got the coverage and status that it now enjoys. He’s done for darts what Michael Jordan did for basketball.

The PDC have had the vision to take the sport forward with new events and bigger venues.  To walk out on stage in front of 10,000 people is breathtaking! I don’t think anyone would have guessed it would become Britains biggest indoor sport.

Q.  What’s the ‘typical’ preparation like for you before you go on live TV to present?

I do all my stats and facts well in advance of major events and keep old programmes from down the years for reference, the Internet is a great source of info these days.   I normally travel to events with the Producer and chat through the show on the day.  Once at the venue, I’ll go into the players room and catch up with with the lads and see if they’ve got any info I can use.  I also meet with the commentators and run through a few lines with them.  Then it’s off to the broadcast truck to check on VT to be used during the show.  Rod and I normally share a dressing room and there’s usually a good bit of banter before we’re on air.  We go live on Sky Sports News in the hour  leading up to the show, rehearsals in studio and then we’re ready to rock.

Q.  The last premier league final was a bit of a story, for more than one reason!    Firstly – how did you feel on the Sunday evening when you started to realise there was a risk you were not going to have a show that night?   Could you tell us when you first heard something was up with the power.. and how it went from there?

It was a huge anti climax.  Really felt sorry for all the crowd who were stuck outside and were geared up for a great night ……..then nothing!   We knew there was something wrong when the venue was plunged into darkness.  All our lights and camera gear were still working because we bring our own generators, but Wembley Arena are reliant on the grid for emergency exits etc and were left helpless!   Everyone set an 8pm deadline to get the lights on, when that passed it was over for the day.

…Then on Monday, Phil Taylor hit those two nine darters – what was it like backstage when the 2nd went in?

I wasn’t back stage – whenever a 9 darter is on everybody in the press room runs out to see the  last dart hit the double live, what a buzz.  Phil was so relaxed that night, he was play fighting with Rod and I before his walk on.  When he got the first 9 darter he told Rod he was going to do it again! I don’t think we’d have had The Taylor double 9 darter if we hadn’t had the cancellation the night before.

Q.  You obviously work with a small team of people – what’s it like working with Rod, and the bundle of energy that is Sid Waddell?

Two top blokes and great mates.  Sid is 70 this summer and he has the energy and outlook of a 16 year old with the brain of a Albert Einstein.  Rod is up there with the best pundits on Sky in terms of honesty and analysis, he doesn’t pull any punches.

Q.  The world match play is about to start in Blackpool – can you see anyone other than Phil Taylor winning it?  Do you have a tip for the fans?

I fancy Gary Anderson to have a good run.  Looking forward to his match against Robert Thornton on day 3.  It’ll be interesting to see Raymond back after his break, he was in South Africa supporting The Dutch at The World Cup.  I wouldn’t back against Taylor making it an 11th  Matchplay title.

Q.  Who’s the best interviewee out of the darts pro’s you’ve had in the press box?

Being a good interviewee takes practice – that’s why Barney and Taylor are so good to listen to. Peter Manley is always decent value. Paul Nicholson thinks about what he’s going to say and comes over well.

James Wade is also working hard on his technique.

Q.  With the time you must have waiting around… and the boards and oche set-up at events… do you ever throw a crafty dart or two?  Have you ever played Rod or any of the pro’s?

It’s like going to the FA Cup final and taking your boots!  I have thrown a few darts with Phil and Rod, embarassed myself against both!

Q. The comedian Dave Gorman is about to try your job out for Bravo TV and the Euro Darts championships – any advice for him?

I’m a big fan of Dave Gorman on radio and TV.  He doesn’t need advice from me. He’ll treat the sport with  the respect it deserves and be great!  I hear he can play a bit.

Q. Finally, as “Darts, Beers & Cheers!” is by the fans for the fans – what’s your view on the fans of darts, and has the nature of a darts fan changed since you’ve been involved in the sport?

Darts fans are amazing! They have the best sense of humour and they’re not afraid to take The Mickey out of themselves. The Premier League has attracted a party loving crowd alongside a darts loving crowd.  It’s meant a differerent atmosphere, but there’s room for both.

Thanks again to Dave Clark for his time and great answers.  I was pleasantly surprised with some of his answers – that he’s a darts fan first and foremost (you don’t always get that with TV sports presenters, BBC TAKE NOTE!).  You will see him next on Sky Sports’ coverage of the World Match Play in Blackpool, starting this Saturday (July 17th), during which you can follow Dave on Twitter; @davecskydarts.

Steve ‘The Bomber‘ Brown – Interview and article

As always I am chuffed to bring you another interview with a darts pro, and this time I’d like to introduce you to Steve ‘The Bomber’ Brown, a quality player who is about to make his World Match Play debut at this weekend’s tournament in Blackpool (and Sky sports for us who can’t make it in person!).

If you are a darts fan who only gets to see the odd Sky Sports Tournament, you might not recognise Steve – but I can tell you that you soon will if his rise up the ranking is anything to go by.  ‘Bomber’ is a regular poster on The Stars of Darts forum (where you’ll find me posting as Krispy), and has been doing great stuff in the PDC in recent times.  Making the World Match Play is a feat it itself, as it is restricted to 32 qualifiers – based on rankings. You can see Steve on your TV this coming Monday (19th), at 7.10pm vs. Terry Jenkins.  I’m tipping Steve to win on their recent floor form.

The Steve Brown Darts Academy

I would like to dedicate a few words about something fantastic that Steve ‘The Bomber’ Brown has created – a darts academy for youngsters aged between 8 and 16, at his fathers pub, The Bull at Crews Hole, in Bristol.  Being a darts pro takes a lot of time and dedication, especially if you’re out of the top 16 as you really need a day job too.  Steve amazingly works, practices, and also takes the time to run his Darts Academy in Bristol, and he’s not stopping there!

The Bristol darts academy now has some 30 young members, and Steve has plans to recruit more coaches to use his techniques to open more clubs around the UK.  There is even talk of taking his academy concept into the USA and Canada.   There will soon be a central website to co-ordinate the clubs, and allow the youths involved to rank themselves vs. their peers across the country/world.

If you feel you are knowledgeable enough to help coach kids at a local darts academy, maybe you should get in contact with Steve (you can use the contact form here with your details etc and I will pass it on for you).  Or if you’re a company director who feel help Steve with his endeavors to bring darts to the kids, I’m sure he’d be interested in how you could help.

The Interview

Now onto the interview The Bomber did for me – thanks to him for taking a moment out of his preparations for Blackpool.

Q. When did you take up darts, and when did you realise you wanted to be a professional darts player?

I took up darts at 15,i was a keen footballer up to that point,i played for Bristol Rovers and was on trial for oxford united when i got injured and decided to pick up the darts! Chris Mason was practising in my fathers pub every day,so i guess from the time i started to practise with Chris after school i harnessed a hunger to turn pro one day!

Q. How do you get on with your fellow professionals – who would you count as your best mates in the game?

I pretty much get on with everyone MOST of the time.  I have had my fall outs with players but I’m saving those story’s for my book! lol!! I spend alot of my time with Mark Dudbridge, Louis Blundell, Kev painter, Sam Allen, to name a few!

Q. I often ask players what advice they’d give youngsters wanting to take up the sport after seeing it on TV – but I know you are more involved that just offering advice in interviews like mine… how did you decide to starts your “darts academy?”

My son John just recently started playing and he’s only 10.  Some of his friends play but they live the other side of town, so they started meeting up at my dad’s pub once a week and I just found myself teaching them.  Soon enough word got round and now i have 30 members in Bristol.

…and can you tell us how it’s been going?

Its been going great!  I have a website under construction; a company called ShineLabs have come forward and offered to build me a site and maintain it for free!!  They specialise in cgi graphics they make computer games,TV commercials, films etc..

I’m now looking at starting these academy’s up all over,  Ive been approached by people from Canada,the USA and some pros up and down the country.  The websites going to play an integral part,  and the plan is that each child gets a score after each session and gets loaded onto the site, thus giving each child a weekly ranking.

I’m also making some infomercials explaining the disciplines and giving some tips.  I had a chat with Rod Harrington whilst in Vegas and he’s keen on using my academy as a feeder into what hes doing with the colleges.

… any lads we should know about for the future yet?

I have some really good young players don’t want to name any just in case i miss someone out,but been amazed by some of the ten year olds i have.My job now is to keep it fun and challenging for them

.. and have you found that by teaching youngsters, that there’s been any effect on your own game?

Funny you should say that I have found myself analysing my stance throw etc, Ive straightened a few things out, and its working…

Q. We hear about players practising 18 hours a day, 365 days a year (OK maybe that’s just what Sid says about Taylor); How much practise do you feel helps your game?

I try to practise for an hour and a half each night,its not always possible.We have a very busy house 6 kids altogether 3 of our own and 3 foster kids,so by the time i get home from work and help cook tea, bath the kids etc I’m pretty tired.If a miss one nights practise I put a bit more in the next night.

Q. What do you think of the premier league and its huge rowdy crowds – too rowdy and intimidating, or would you love to join the weekly madness?

I think its great,I’ve been brought up in rowdy pubs all my life.  I’m used to juke boxes blaring, people shouting, and ducking punches whilst trying to win a darts match. Any player that moans about it should think of a different career path.I think the premier league would suit me down to the ground, as Ive always been a show off.   I think my showmanship would divide opinion, as I try to keep just the right side of the line but sometimes go a bit ott.

Q. You’ve just made the World Match play tournament, which is a cracking event for TV fans – how are you feeling, as there’s a lot of money on offer, and I’ve added the pressure by tipping you to win vs. Terry Jenkins?

Ha!! Ive got mixed feelings going into it.  Its my matchplay debut so your mind can wonder.  At times I’ve been thinking about were I’m going to practice, what time should I should get to the venue, what shirt should I wear!  I’ve taken some time off work since Vegas to practice so I’m prepared.  I’m meeting with Flash (Mark Dudbridge) everyday this week to practice so hopefully we can both hit the ground running!

Q. You’ve just broken into the top 50 of the PDC rankings – and with WMP you could be shooting up again… have your set yourself a target for this year, and how do you feel your throwing at the moment?

I set myself a goal at the start of the year to break into the top 32.   I gave myself a mountain to climb and to be honest a few decent runs on the TV I might just achieve it.  I’m throwing well, and I’ve been consistant all year so I fear nobody!

Q. You’re quite a youngster (compared to me),  so I’d be interesting who your darting heroes are?

Bob Anderson,had the pleasure of rooming with him for 18 months before he retired.An absouloute gentleman ,tought me loads!!

Thanks again to Steve Brown – good luck at the World Match Play mate!   You can find Steve’s stats on the Darts Database HERE.  There’s an article about his Darts Academy in the Bristol Evening Post.

Alex Roy interview for Darts, Beers & Cheers!

We’re in a bit of a darting lull at the moment, with no floor tournament results for a week or two.  So – to give you your darts fix while you wait for the WPM in Blackpool next Saturday.  So get yourself comfortable, open a drinky, and have a read, as I am proud to bring you an exclusive interview with Alex Roy, one of the great recent characters of darts.

To top that off, Alex has given me a question to use in a competition we will run next week – to win a set of his brand new Red Dragon darts!  (view em here).  I will post up the competition as soon as I have the darts in my grubby mits – so keep popping back early next week!

A big thanks to Dave Holland too, for helping to set this up.  Dave as you might have read here before runs ‘Dave Holland Management‘, who look after a growing number of darts pros, helping them get sponsorship and anything that helps them concentrate on their game.

On to the interview…

Q.  When did you first take up darts, and when did you realise you wanted to be a professional darts player?

I was 13 when i first started playing league darts with my Dad in his local, i did not think about turning pro but my ambition was to play for england. for some reason i was never included so when I turned 22 I decided to focus on playing professionally

Q.  You come across as a really confident person on the oche, almost strutting around like you own it.  Is that how you actually feel when you’re playing?  Are you any different off the oche than on it?  (like Paul Nicholson, who ‘acts’ a bad boy on TV).

I always try and be confident before games and during games….. I do this because its who I am and to show the opponent that I don’t fear them . if I show nerves or lack of confidence there is no point in me being there.

Q. I’ve now seen you play on TV and on the floor, do you enjoy yourself more in front of the TV cameras at the big tournaments?

Without doubt the TV events always gives you that extra buzz and with the walk on music and fans being there it gives me more confidence .

Q. What’s it like at the weekend tournaments with 100+ players packed into an event?  Do you socialise with the other players or keep it totally professional and no play?

Yes,  you find that they become your 2nd family when you are away for so long, people don’t realise that after playing the days games it is mentally draining and most times its a meal out and early to bed.

Q. Who would you count as your best mates in the game?

There all nice people but I regard Kevin Painter as my good mate.

Q. How much practice do you feel you need to be on the top of your game?

I try to aim for 2 hours a day, I find too much can affect your game , so 2 solid hours a day  .

Q. Are there any ‘bogey’ players for you who you usually want to avoid in the draw ?

Not really,there all good players and all believe they can win.  as I said early if I did not have the confidence there is no point in me being there……..Hopefully players want to avoid me !!!

Q.  Is it more important to you to play solid and win, or win and look while good doing it?

Play solid and win….you have to know how to win ugly sometimes…..winning = money.

Q. What’s the best game you’ve ever played – who/when/where.. and what happened?

Players championships in 2008 beating Raymond van Barneveld 6-0 . I don’t know of anyone else that has done that to Raymond on the pdc events.

Q.  When I saw you in Wigan on the pro tour off the oche, you seem to be quite a story teller and entertainer – what’s your favourite darting story?

That’s my no fear and way of preparing for the next game.  This has to be when I was doing a exhibition 7 or 8 years ago in February with the very funny Richie Burnett from Wales, the pub was in a village with a outside toilet.  During a break Richie went to the loo, jumped the picket gate and landed waist height in manure!!!  The taxi driver refused to take Richie back to the hotel unless he wrapped himself in bin liners and opened all the car windows….it was -1 degrees and we all froze on the way back.

Q.  How do spend time relaxing when not playing or practising?

With my wife and kids, with working all week and being away weekend I appreciate the time I get to spend with them.

I’d like to thank Alex for answering my questions, and what a funny story about the Prince of Wales, Richie Burnett!  Sorry Richie if you’re reading this – but it is a cracker

Remember to keep popping back next week for the Alex Roy competition – answer a question he has set himself to win a set of his brand new darts. You can take a look and/or buy yourself a set here; http://www.reddragondarts.com/pages/4600/Alex-Roy/

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH – ANDY HAMILTON

Staff Writer Andrew Devonshire is delighted to bring you an exclusive interview with PDC Darts Professional Andy ‘The Hammer’ Hamilton.

Andy has been enjoying a tremendous 2010 so far with a string of semi-final performances, a couple of 9 darters on the Pro Tour and is always one of the favourites for every event he enters.

Hi Andy, your riding high in the PDC rankings, how do you feel 2010 has gone for you so far ?

I have had a really good start to the year, i think it is 6 semi-finals, a final and a few quarters too, so i will keep on going and hope that the rest of the year brings some good results.

Has it always been your ambition to be a professional dart player, is it how you imagined it to be ?

It’s everything i imagined and more. I love the challenge and its great getting paid for something you love doing.

Some people may have only heard of you through joining the PDC, what were you doing in the darting world before then ?

I have played darts since i was 17, mostly pub leagues to start with, then onto super league and then county. I have played for both Cheshire & Staffordshire but never thought i was good enough for the big time. Did not start thinking about having a go until 6 yrs ago when my brother entered me for the Bolton qualifiers and it’s just gone on from there.

We know you are very aggressive on the oche when it’s ‘Hammertime’,  is this something that helps your performances ?

Definitely, when the music ‘Carn’t touch this’ comes on it fires me up with aggression on stage and helps me focus. I love a good ‘roar’ !

Being one of the top scorers in darts, you’ve hit two 9 darters this year, what goes through your mind when your on for a 9 darter ?

Try not to think about it but i suppose it is in the back of your mind, you hit 2 x 180′s then just think of the 141 as a finish and go for it.

Aside from Phil Taylor, who’s the toughest opponent you’ve played ?

It must be Barney, he has beat me more times than i have beat him, hoping to change that at the European’s !

Your very friendly with Colin Osborne on the PDC Tour, would you like to see the World Pairs Championship brought back,  you and Colin would make a very strong partnership ?

That would be good,we practice together everyday for a few hours.Kate and i also mix with them socially as Kate and Sarah are also good friends. We are good friends until we get on the oche, then it’s every man for himself, but we never fall out about who wins or loses, we just look forward to the next game.

Playing on TV for the first time must have been very nerve wracking, how did you cope and were you aware of the cameras ?

I don’t why but i don’t really suffer with nerves, i get a few butterflies but the don’t last long. The World’s 2004/5 was the first time i played on TV in front of a big audience, i did not really think about the cameras, thy were not that evident once your up there on stage and it’s hard to imagine that there are thousands of people out there watching you on TV, you are only aware of the crowd, it’s great, i love the TV events.

Is playing in the Premier League an aim of yours and something you would relish, ‘Hammertime’ in front of 8,000 plus crowds ?

I would love it. Playing every week for 14 weeks in front of those big crowds must be a big buzz. However, when i first started i was in contention for a couple of years but did not quite make it, i put a lot of pressure on myself so was a bit disappointed whenit did not happen. Now i just think if i get there then great, but if not there is always next year. Maybe just maybe mt time will come !!!

To be World Champion is every players dream, you’ve reached the semi-final before, you must feel you have it in you and the ability to go one step further to the final and win it ?

Yes of course i do, i think any player who loves to play darts and is good at it has that inner belief that they can be World Champion, that is why we play week in week out to be the best. Yes i do really believe i have the ability to be World Champ. BRING IT ON !!!

Many thanks Andy for this interview and continued success on the PDC Tour for 2010 and beyond from us all at Darts, Beers & Cheers, PDC Fansite.

Interview brought to you by Andrew Devonshire

Steve Maish – Mr Magic speaks to Darts, Beers & Cheers!

I’m chuffed today, as I’m able to publish a totally exclusive interview with one of friendliest characters in world darts.  Steve ‘Mr Magic’ Maish is a great player, and now a friend to Lee ‘Danger’ Griffin and myself.  Steve invited us both along as his guests to the recent Barnsley pro tour event, and kept us entertained when he wasn’t playing (and entertained when he was of course!).  I’m also the proud owner of some Maishy darts – played with and buffed up by the man himself.   Maishy told me he’s had Russ Bray record something ‘extra’ for his walk-on ready for his next TV appearance.. but I won’t give the game away here.

I think you’ll agree that there’s some great answers here – and Steve is very humble regarding the debt he feels towards those players who took the risk to help form what is now the PDC.

So time for me to shut-up…. Ladies and Gentlemen, Steve Maish has entered the building!

Q.  When did you first take up darts, and when did you realise you wanted to be a professional darts player?

I first started playing around about 22 years ago playing in the local league division4 with my mates.  The next year I was asked to join Super League, 6 months later I got picked to play for my county.  I played 60 odd games for Essex and 30 for London.  I decided to join the PDC in 2003 and turned professional 4 years later, when darts started to over take work.

Q. I love your walk-on, the music and your moves… what was behind choosing the Elvis track?

Being a massive Elvis fan, I choose the track to liven up my walk on to get the crowd dancing.  And I thought the opening Lyrics to the song sum up the way your feelings are as your standing waiting to be introduced on to the stage… “Lord Almighty, I feel my temperature rising”

Q. Who would you count as your best mates in the game?

I like to say I get on with all the guys on the tour.  But the lads I normally sit with are Wayne Mardle (he was the best man at my wedding), Kev Painter, Colin Lloyd, and the one and only Colin Monk.

Q. What would you be doing now if you were not playing darts?

Working on a building site as a Mastic applicator.

Q.  What’s it like at the weekend tournaments with 100+ players packed into an event?  Do you socialise with the other players or keep it totally professional?    (OK so I might know the answer to this one – but it’s for the fans! Hehe)

The weekend tour events are your bread & butter.  It’s Where you earn your living so you have to get your dart head on and try to be as professional as you can.  Saying that there’s lots of banter going on between the players before we start.

Q. What is it like being at a big TV tournament like the Worlds or UK open compared to the floor tournaments?

Being at the worlds or any TV tourny is totally different from the floor events.  Floor events you have to be fully focused all day as you may have to play 6-7 games.  TV events your just building yourself up for that 1 game.

Q. Who are your sporting heroes?

In no order;  Eric Bristow, Ian Botham, Jimmy White, Glenn Hoddle (the god of White Hart Lane)

Q. Are you someone who has set himself targets for the year (specific ranking achieved, certain tournaments played at?) – If so, what are some of yours for 2010?

The only target I set is to get back to the Ally Pally for the world champs.  Anything else is a bonus.  Saying that it would be nice to break back into the top 32 OOM.

Q. We hear about players practicing 18 hours a day, 365 days a year (OK maybe that’s just what Sid says about Taylor);  How much practice do you feel helps your game?

Trust me not even Phil practices 24/7.  I try to do 3/4 hours a day, but when  you’re on your own it can become very boring at times and you just end up chucking at the board for the sake of it, which does you no good at all.  The best practice for me is with 2 mates; play them both best of 35 which takes about 2 hours. (not if you’re playing me Steve!)

Q. What’s your view on the current state of the sport of darts and where the PDC has brought it?

The PDC (Barry Hearn) has brought the game kicking and screaming into the 21st century.  We are now playing in the Million Pound Tour.  8 TV tournaments and players earning a decent living out of darts.  Some think that woudl never of happened if the 16 players had not broken away from the BDO and formed the WDC.  The 16 who broke away put their careers on the line, and now players like myself are reaping the rewards   out of their actions.  The current crop of PDC Players owe these 16 a great debt of thank for doing what they did in moving the game to where we are now.

Q. (and) Where do you see it in 10 years time? (Can it keep growing?)

Yes I can see the game getting even bigger over the next 10 years with bigger prize pots, not just for the TV tournaments but the floor events as well.  Mr Hearn wants every player in the top 32 to be earning a living wage of £30,000 a year, and when the tour card comes in 2011 I can see this happening.  My only regret is that I wish I was 20 years younger.

Q. Will you be going to Vegas this year – with the new format tournaments, new venue, and no TV coverage?  Do you see it as a bit of a holiday or all ‘work’?  (I know some of the players make it their family get away).

Yes I’m going to Vegas.  I’ve always treated Vegas as a holiday more than work.  I was lucky enough to qualify for the TV twice which was a bonus.  This year will be no different, just no TV.  But we still have 3 floor events which are the last 3 before the cut off for the World Masters in Blackpool, so they are going to be a very important 3 days for the players who are going!

Q.  What do you think of the premier league and its huge rowdy crowds – too rowdy and intimidating, or would you love to re-join the weekly madness?

I think the PL is great and would love to be part of it one day.  Yes the crowd is rowdy and they do go over the top at times, but hey, I can think of worse things to be doing on a Thursday night (Like watching on TV wishing I was up there playing).

Q.  How do spend time relaxing when not playing or practicing?

When I’m not away on tour I normally just chill out in front of the TV at the weekends.  Football is my other passion; the two teams I follow have had mixed fortunes this year.  The mighty Spurs got the 4th spot and a chance of Champions League football next year.  Unfortunately my home town team (Who I once played for) Southend Utd got relegated to league 2.

A cracking interview there by one of the true characters of the game.  Look out for the Maishy walk-on – it’s one to dance along too     You can find Steve’s official website HERE.  If you’d like to book ‘Mr Magic’ for an exhibition you can do so HERE.