Is Manley Getting Ready To Call It A Day?

[M H]

http://www.unicorn-darts.com/news/2011/ ... anley.aspx

Wes Newton is the talk of darts at the moment!

And the UK Open runner-up has now taken the next big career step by appointing Peter Manley as his manager.

The Unicorn pair will form a unique partnership which they both hope will take Newton into the top four in the world and a first ‘Major’ title.

Of course, he came very close to the first big title at the weekend, when he was beaten by James Waded in a thrilling UK Open Final at the Reebok Stadium.

“It just makes perfect sense,” Newton said. “I need to take the next step forward, because I am in the spotlight more and I need someone to help me….Peter is the perfect man for the job, because he is vastly experienced and has done it all in his darting career.”

“He will help me with exhibitions, sponsorship and hopefully boosting my profile. His experience will be invaluable and his opinion will always be valued,” Newton added.

‘The Warrior’ has battled his way up to No.8 in the world rankings and received a further boost with the news that he has clinched an automatic spot at the Grand Slam of Darts for the next two years, as a reward for reaching the final in Bolton.

“Ultimately the aim must be a place in the top four and a spot in the Premier League and I will do all I can over the next few months to try to achieve that. Peter’s involvement will hopefully give me that extra edge,” Newton revealed.

For Manley’s part, he is insistent that his involvement with the 33-year-old from Fleetwood does not mean the end of his competitive darting career.

“I am far from finished!” was the Manley message.

“This is another string to my bow and I want to help Wes to achieve all his goals in the sport. It would make me extremely proud to help him to the next level.”

“I still want to play at the very highest level and I feel I am getting there. It was always going to be tough after the well documented problems with my heart but I am more determined than ever to get back on the big stage,” he added.

“With Wes, it’s all about getting his name out there and building a profile and that’s where I come in.”

‘One Dart’ remains one of the most popular players on the exhibition circuit and corporate section and he has also started playing in small local tournaments near his home in Carlisle to gain much needed match practice.

And if the three times World Championship finalist says he will do something, invariably that is exactly what happens!

These days, he is picking and choosing his PDC Pro Tour events and he has already started working with Newton.

It’s all a long way from the darting woes that affected Newton a couple of years ago, when he was languishing at No.36 in the world and was thinking of throwing the darts away for good.

“The sport is starting to open up now and I want a part of it!” he said.

The immediate priority is impending fatherhood, with partner Stacy due to give birth later this month…..and on the oche, it is all about preparing for the World Matchplay.

Newton still hasn’t won a match at his ‘home’ event in Blackpool….he has lost four times in the 1st Round at the Winter Gardens and is determined to put that right in July.

But the Newton/Manley partnership certainly looks set for success in the coming years.

By STUART PYKE (twitter @stuartpykesport)

[Randall]

his career has been in freefall for a while now, ever since his health problems it seems. makes sense to seek out new oppurtunities.

[M H]

I thought the same to be honest. He'll always earn a few bob on the exbo circuit and management seems a natural progression. I do wonder if being Chairman of the PDPA and Newton's manager creates a conflict of interests?

[Randall]

that did cross my mind but i presumed he must have stood down from that due to his illness?

plenty of complaints re taylor and hearn in the past from certain people.

[M H]

Just checked and Manley's still PDPA Chairman.

[Randall]

im sure he can keep his interests seperate but it does leave himself open to criticism i imagine.

[M H]

Do the PDPA do anything apart from sponser the Players Championsips?

[Justin Credible]

if wes can get one quarter of manleys charisma it will be worth it for that alone.

[Randall]

i havent a clue what the pdpa do, i presumed they looked after players interests.

[M H]

Looking at their web site it's pretty hard to see what they do at all.

[Randall]

i had a look on there as well and thought very much the same.

i always presumed it was the professional body, a union if you like for dart players. maybe not.

[M H]

It seems to be a big advert for the PDC and membership is compulsory for anyone playing on the Pro Tour

[Randall]

do you have to pay to be a member of that was well?

not something i have ever given any thought before.

[M H]

£400 a year and 3% of any winnings if I remember rightly

[M H]

Just had a quick peek at the PDPA last submitted accounts, at 31.12.09 they had a cash balance of £200,000. Not too shabby

[Randall]

£400 a year and 3% of any winnings if I remember rightly

and what do they get for the money?

[M H]

A membership card I think!

[Randall]

A membership card I think!

as long as its not something trivial!

[M H]

Wes who?

[sat]

“The sport is starting to open up now and I want a part of it!” he said.

He means Taylor isn't vacuuming up all the trophies and cash, I assume.

I think we are all happy about that, Wes. Even us shite players who only chuck at the bedroom wall.