Martin Adams : The BDO Has Died.

3 x Lakeside World Champion on the collapse of the British Darts Organisation.
"We buried it with Olly Croft"
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The 50th Anniversary Issue of Darts World Magazine (Issue 581) was released in December 2022.

[@djharto4917]

It is such a shame, growing up I never had sky so the lakeside was always like the come down after Christmas! The tree came down but the lakeside was on! Happy memories.

[@outtour7518]

Yeah loved it, used to watch it on my small tv with a crap bent up Ariel...was always good fun darts

[@Rai_S82]

Same here! Staying up til 11 to watch the highlights and all that. Used to be brilliant.

[@TimmyTheSnail]

Yes literally this was me!! Used to love the darts at the start of a new year as I was growing up, so sad that it’s gone

[@krishnan-resurrection714]

..and pdc is shit now as well . . . . . . . . . 😆

[@carscarscars9744]

The BDO died when they left the Lakeside.... Nostalgia was it's biggest remaining asset...... ALWAYS wanted to go to lakeside 😢😢😢

[@GretatheEvilGremlin]

Lakeside should have been buried with it's 80's glory days, and decoration to match! Once the PDC split, there's was more atmosphere on the moon. Like a glorified Working Mens Club, surprised they didn't have Bingo at the interval! The lame walk ons and cheesey music before games, was a cringe fest!

[@Zarkava8]

@@GretatheEvilGremlin The BDO started to deteriorate when Van Barneveld left to join the PDC, it was still a top tournament when he won it, you're telling me that Van Barneveld's walk on theme The eye of the tiger was cheesy? 🙄, you're having a laugh 😂.

[@GretatheEvilGremlin]

@@Zarkava8 Barneveld won his last title at just about the last time it was acceptable to call it a World Championship. There were only a handful of players of note in the competition even then, namely Gary Anderson and Rob Thornton, who went on to win PDC titles. The cheesy music was between games and during intervals, playing Status Quo to whip up the crowd was an absolute cringe fest. Maybe you should read comments properly before replying.

[@Zarkava8]

@@GretatheEvilGremlin I think Bingo would've suited you down to the ground. 😂

[@freespeechadvocate7492]

I have to agree, the Lakesie was the home of darts for many years and its where darts began, the PDC would do well to remember that.

[@zekeedwards9708]

Martin is a true gentleman, i had my photo took with him many years ago, he took the time to ask about my family and spent 5 minutes chatting, really nice guy!

[@robertlangmuir86]

Had your photo ”taken” not “took”.

[@bobderix]

@@robertlangmuir86 thanks for that, I had no Idea what he meant.

[@robertelliott2216]

Robert fuck up grammar wanker.

[@jait2024]

@@robertlangmuir86 bellend

[@robertelliott2216]

@shredderkrang show me where my comment is "wrong"?????

[@kevintwine2315]

It's a shame,the BDO world championship always reminds me of the festive season as a kid,good times

[@jeroentehennepe4255]

BDO started going downhill when Barney joined the PDC in 2006. Created a vortex of players leaving. Wolfy always remained loyal towards the BDO even though he could have been a nice addition to the PDC roster. Not that many old school characters any more in darts 😞

[@harrybroughton4999]

Thing is as well that people forget is at the time the BDO had two huge events in the Netherlands broadcast over there - which included PDC players but when Barney, MVG and Jelle moved away, to the PDC, a few years later Barry Hearn and his intelligence basically said no PDC players are competing in those two BDO majors anymore and the broadcasters quickly cancelled the tournaments. The BDO therefore no longer had any big publicity, revenue or presence in Holland and simply never recovered. Mervyn King moved away in huge controversy which did nothing but tarnish the BDO further, sooner or later the BBC gave in and that was it - and while all this was going on the PDC was effectively doubling and tripling in size, prize money, tournaments etc. BDO just hadn't a clue what to do no more.

[@alanhargreaves-thevoiceofr2361]

Hearns is scum ..itll backfire on him eventually .....!

[@anthonymatute6057]

@@harrybroughton4999The BDO was literally on life support after barney left for the pdc

[@FraserThorburn-wr8st]

The BDO effectively died when Tony Fleet graced us with his darting prowess

[@kingshearer2]

BDO should of stayed on terrestrial tv much bigger audience@@anthonymatute6057

[@dantemarotta356]

I remember it throughout the 80's it was magic, Adams is great ambassador for Darts.

[@alasdairmacaulay2270]

Sad to see what's happened to the BDO.......Brilliant wee interview.

[@DjPolo1897]

This is really tragic, I've been watching BDO darts, especially at the Lakeside since 1992 when I was thirteen, so very sad to see.

[@mikerochburns4104]

Ollie Croft effectively killed the BDO. He pissed of the elite players so much that they banded together and formed the PDC. The BDO always seemed second rate from that point onwards. Winning the BDO basically was a calling card to enter the PDC.

[@richardfrancis3574]

Be honest after 2weeks of SKY and the PDO It was like watching non league footy after the champions league final .

[@richardevans7035]

Bang on there mate, they throw 180s for fun on sky and they throw 60s on the BDO

[@alanhargreaves-thevoiceofr2361]

when Taylor and sid Waddel were involved ....pdc was good! . . .Now its crap .

[@Mr_Jingles_147]

Sadly down to its prehistoric and stubborn organisers. Barry Hearn approached them several times about a merge where the BDO would have been a sort of Championship tier where young players or new tour card holders would gain experience and hope to be promoted to the main PDC tour. Barry was willing to put time/money into the structure but, as it has done for decades, it fell on deaf, antique ears.

[@racerchaser27]

You are correct. Arrogance killed the BDO. Would've made a great "farm team" organization for the PDC

[@alanhargreaves-thevoiceofr2361]

No ..dont make excuse for Barry Hernes ..a parasite and Bully ...remember 'premier League snooker'? . . . .bear that in mind . . .-Herne is the man who forever destroyed British darts . . . ..in 10 year you will know that .

[@Mitjitsu]

Based on what Barry Hearn and other top players at the time were saying. Olly Croft was uncompromising and refused to agree to anything that meant him halving less control over how things were done.

[@alanhargreaves-thevoiceofr2361]

you are all talking as if you have won a war ...lol . . .meanwhile a foreign culture is taking over Britain . Darts will die out in 10 years ..like old fashioned British culture .

[@alanhargreaves-thevoiceofr2361]

..why didnt Hearn keep the british Leagues goig ? . .. because he is traitor and sided with the asians

[@paulodingle2142]

Met him at the Lakeside lovely bloke had time for everyone. BDO died when they moved from the Lakeside utterly stupid for moving.

[@manchesterutdfan66]

WHERES IT MOVED TO..??

[@paulodingle2142]

@@manchesterutdfan66 it moved to the O2 but not even sure if there is a BDO anymore?

[@mickbrooks8114]

Bdo was lakeside no other competitor came close to that stage

[@kevoconnor145]

@@paulodingle2142 There isn't. It's now officially finished and all Counties have aligned with United Kingdom Darts Association.

[@paulodingle2142]

@@kevoconnor145 very sad it’s gone it had its place

[@rhysoto90]

For me the BDO died when Barney left for the PDC. After that I barely watched it.

[@hoggy2much999]

I did more or less the same thing. Barney and Mervyn King were the ones that kept me watching the BDO but when they left for the PDC my interest in the BDO also died.

[@jones1068]

I played Martin in a exhibition match in Bala years ago he started on 701 I started on 601 I got down to 81 and he won the leg I think he scored a 140 in the leg it was many years ago he seemed like a nice bloke.

[@planetX15]

I read the title wrong at first, I though it said Martin Adams From the BDO had died, thankfully I had a closer look

[@doggerproductions]

Loved it during the 90's bdo was brilliant then😭

[@doggerproductions]

@Paul Blackman the god old days have a few stripes then hit the board😄🥳

[@michaelwoods1171]

Me & my ex partner played him in an exhibition a few years ago. He was a lovely bloke😊

[@tinkeringinthailand8147]

IS........

[@LukeD-Always]

The same thing that caused the split lead the BDO to its demise outdated thinking, venues and broadcast teams allowed the PDC to be the place to be and inevitably lead to the players moving over. Their final chance at survival was to embrace its amateur/feeder status but the powers in the BDO couldn’t put their ego aside

[@MyseryModz]

I met Martin Adams at a tournament he was a really nice fella

[@jeanhoulton8167]

Darts spiritual home is the Lakeside. So unique .

[@hoggy2much999]

Wrong. Darts spiritual home is Alexandra Palace and before that The Circus Tavern.

[@srenpetersen1681]

@@hoggy2much999nope

[@chrisevans5259]

BDO.......( Broken ....Down.....Organization).......sad time for the sport, ....I will always remember the golden era of world darts in the 1980s at a packed and vibrant Lakeside ...with the likes of Bristow..... Wilson,...Lowe,.... Rees......Lazarenko,...Evans .....Dellar..... Anderson and the flamboyant Bobby George producing sporting drama at its finest......Great Memories

[@krishnan-resurrection714]

you are a coward .....😆

[@shaykiernan1407]

Very sound man is Martin, met him twice ,a gentleman.

[@jamescleary5198]

Met him in Manchester legends darts night lovely chap

[@jamesc8076]

Glad to see him looking well and happy

[@waynerafferty1048]

I grew up watching the BDO at the lakeside in the 80s & 90s . Leaving there was a big mistake. PDC nailed what fans and TV and players wanted. I'll miss the BDO format and lakeside. I just can't get into the PDC format. Ah well happy childhood memories at Xmas playing darts with my brother and cousins .

[@zonnyzunny]

Did you watch the standard of darts at the lakeside last few years utter crap.

[@paulholmes1349]

My 3 dart average is only 26 and I made the quarters.

[@readytogame83]

Martin Adams is so humble and a legend ❤

[@Gibbo1]

Very sad, loved the Lakeside

[@xwhyteygaming670]

I misred it, thought it said he died... thank god it ain’t true 🙏💯

[@adriang2053]

Zero sympathy for the BDO whatsoever They had plenty of chances to embrace the change in darts and work with the PDC They chose not to ,stubbornly,now look where you’ve ended up

[@alanhargreaves-thevoiceofr2361]

Olly croft died ..one day you will lose a relative and have some sympathy to the family ...

[@alanhargreaves-thevoiceofr2361]

@@anthonymatute6057 AN EVIL THING TO SAY ...I can tell you are african ...

[@anthonymatute6057]

@@alanhargreaves-thevoiceofr2361I have no sympathy for Olly Croft’s death

[@alanhargreaves-thevoiceofr2361]

@@anthonymatute6057 ..THATS BECAUSE YOU ARE EVIL AND NOT A BRITISH PERSON .

[@misfit2022]

The best BDO players went to the PDC and no organisation can survive under those conditions.

[@jamesm1579]

I agree. The BDO’s days were numbered as soon as Barneveld went to the PDC all those years ago.

[@koen8185]

Still , the BDO was a nice place for young talent to work on their confidence and gain experience , and then move to the PDC playing the big guys .

[@misfit2022]

@@koen8185 Yes but being a training ground for a larger competition was never going to work long term. Also some of the later players maybe should not have moved across like Mark Webster and even Ted Hankey,

[@koen8185]

@@misfit2022 Sure , for some it didn't work , that's life , and others were loyal to the BDO , like Wolfie , and you're right , if young talent constantly leaves , you're stuck with a veteran competition of loyals , it fades away and perishes .

[@misfit2022]

@@koen8185 Yep

[@vincentspencer6046]

Good to see you wolfie

[@brendanlanders1870]

Shit I miss read and thought Adam's died

[@leeneale8776]

hahah me to :))

[@kingshearer2]

Me too, stupid posting

[@kingshearer2]

@shredderkrang I would write Martin Adams says "The BDO has died" .....But your right I glanced at it and my brain automatically thought the worst especially with all the bad news at the mo.

[@barofdalouz5999]

That happened when Glen and Danny moved to PDC

[@arboarbo4012]

He's still a class player. He threw the nine-darter early this year during a livestream event.

[@predictivetextisforaunts]

Threw*

[@predictivetextisforaunts]

@Wayne Anthony Holmes I’d rather be thought of as a twat, than a moron... or be called Wayne.

[@stranraerfromafar9672]

i loved the new year bdo darts old skool👍

[@paulparker1565]

I used to prefer watching the BDO World Championships at the Lakeside. The crowd used to give the very best of order and there was none of the crass vulgarity of the PDC equivalent.

[@FraserThorburn-wr8st]

Problem was the BDO in it's later years had all the atmosphere and vibrancy of a council meeting

[@davidbaird3707]

Legend. Lovely guy.

[@austinpowers9340]

Should of changed with the times the PDC just killed it in the end. Couldn’t even nearly compete.

[@markpugh6808]

The PDC didn't kill it the way it was run did it coexisted with the PDC for 16 years

[@austinpowers9340]

@@markpugh6808 I meant more the competition killed it. The BDO just got worse and worse till it died.

[@markpugh6808]

@@austinpowers9340 well you can't blame all the greatest players for leaving when they could make more money and have a better career in the PDC

[@austinpowers9340]

@@markpugh6808 I’m not blaming anyone. Other than Adams, anyone with ability and who wanted to make money at the sport, should of left as soon they could compete in the PDC.

[@markpugh6808]

@@austinpowers9340 it was always gunna end this way when all the decent or world class throwers defected to the PDC you end up with a shit product it is a shame as The BDO was the main body in darts before the split in 94 that lead to the PDC

[@cdwattie]

he is a great guy met him once took all the time in the world to chat to me

[@rutgerpol1796]

I met wolfie in the Netherlands great guy took a pic with him sad to see the BDO has died this way

[@johnholt9399]

No loss held darts back for years should have rolled over after best pros left due to out of date way it was run for admin and not for players

[@nigelmacdonald9999]

the pros in the UK come from county darts which was supported by the BDO. The PDC just cherry picks the best players and does little to support grass roots.

[@simulation8083]

@@nigelmacdonald9999 Nonsense. The BDO hasnt supported anyone for ages. Absolute disgrace not paying the tournament winnings. What do you think the JDC and youth tournaments are? You're living in 1980

[@superman00001]

“What a prawn, Ray.”

[@nmnash68]

If you compare the BDO to the PDC, the PDC have world class dart players playing for their version of the world championship, whereas the BDO have pub league dart players or at best county dart players playing for their version of the world championship

[@RoyOnion]

Bet they wish they sold to barry hern for $1million now

[@cedricsurveynen638]

Exactly. The PDC could possibly used the location of Lakeside in Frimley Green to add a new concept of tournament and calling it Lakeside Classics, with the use of a classic thick wiring board. Just an idea 🙂.

[@tracer1127]

You would have thought it was a no brainier.

[@tracer1127]

Remember as a kid watching the likes of Jockey Wilson, Eric Bristol, Bobby George etc. Boy could those guys down a beer.

[@tracer1127]

@Paul Blackman Sounds like you should have been a darter. Whilst those guys were pissed you would have just got started . FairPlay you survived it all as well ✌️

[@vinnyvasquez]

Should have merged with the PDC when they had the chance. Could have earned a pound note and gone out with dignity.

[@markpugh6808]

Should've took Barry Hearns offer years ago

[@johnholt9399]

Spot on

[@alanhargreaves-thevoiceofr2361]

never now down to a bully ......

[@richardevans7035]

I loved Martin Adams and Ted hankey at the BDO top players and seem like top guys, it's like moving the FA cup final from Wembley to Stamford bridge

[@bengun1580]

Dick

[@richardevans7035]

@@bengun1580 😘

[@bengun1580]

@shredderkrang Oh well at least his Chelsea fan

[@garymcteer7620]

It died when the big names left, Lowe, Bristow et al

[@DRoo95]

It's been competitive for a lot longer times, in the Netherlands, the focus only shifted to the PDC after van Barneveld switched. Until that point, the PDC WC wasn't even televized.

[@tobybartlett2180]

I read the Thumbnail quick and thought it said,Martin Adams died! 😱😂😂 glad that's not true! Lol, great man, True Gentleman! 👍😎🙏🙏🙏🇬🇧

[@ArtistFormerlyKnownAsShitlord]

Try meeting him in person. He’s as far from being a gentleman as it’s possible to be.

[@tobybartlett2180]

The Artist Formally Known As Shitlord, Really!!! 😱 you do surprise me! I've never met him, so, I guess I take your word for it! Thanks! 👍😎

[@ArtistFormerlyKnownAsShitlord]

@@tobybartlett2180 Dude, you might meet him and like him. Different strokes ... I found him rude, arrogant and obnoxious. He’s a great player, though.

[@maynardlavery9258]

Its people like Martin that have kept the BDO going so long. And not jumping ship to the PDC for money. Sad is this as BDO is where it all started.

[@anthonymatute6057]

And Bobby George and Tony Green

[@karatebuff]

In a harrowing year where bottom end of society have suffered the most it sums things up that the BDO the sporting heart beat of the working classes has official died!! This is a watershed moment of epic proportions for many people who's lives socially and emotionally are intertwined is the beloved Organisation. All we can do now is hold on to the memories R.I.P

[@alanhargreaves-thevoiceofr2361]

well said ...I pray that Hearns gets whats coming to him ....

[@-chris1965]

He took the easy way playing for the BDO

[@joannesomerset7012]

So, he happy

[@robertryan6782]

Really honest interview with Martin.

[@reallysmallguy3871]

I feel like the BDO needs to exist for up coming talent And people who just aren't good enough

[@peter19173]

Wolfie... struggling for breath Mate .. keep fit son !!

[@leejames8595]

Martin Adams and the rest of the BDO should be grateful the elite left and joined the PDC or you would never have heard of the majority. I remember the first BDO World Championships after the best players left. I honestly didn’t know anyone in it!

[@NUFC2412]

Olly Croft killed it due to being stubborn and not moving with the times. BDO died years ago. Adams is in the same mould. Bitter towards PDC deep down.

[@Mitjitsu]

He did a lot of damage, but his successors did a great deal more damage than him. At least if Olly Croft was still around. The organisation might have limped on for another 10 years.

[@alanhargreaves-thevoiceofr2361]

Crofty died ...he didnt want to ....

[@rodneymckee8431]

The bdo was done when van barnaveld left to take Taylor on surprised it latest this long

[@rodneymckee8431]

Lasted not latest

[@dylanaudio0104]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@likilikiki]

@@rodneymckee8431 Well, since you started..... It's Barneveld, not Barnaveld. 😉

[@GretatheEvilGremlin]

Wolfie should get involved with getting something new up and running, that would be a fitting legacy for his time in the game.

[@markstevenson7577]

Yeah as co host of Bullseye

[@krishnan-resurrection714]

@@markstevenson7577 ..."Nicholas Hoult" can take over as new host ...

[@christopherhughes497]

The only reason the BDO survived so long after the split as it did was because the PDC existed and it could piggy back from its popularity slightly but that aftershock can only last so long.

[@johndawhale3197]

I love his Pacino laugh.

[@SkylaManutd]

This is a very sad day for darts upsetting big lost feel for the family cant not believe it

[@markkenna9951]

He should of went from BDO years ago

[@andrewcdavies]

I think he would have been a better player and achieved more if he’d have moved over.

[@tonymontana1179]

He’s going to Q school this year

[@anthonymatute6057]

@@tonymontana1179And Adams will immediately leave once he gets to Q School

[@Timekeeper1200]

Top guy and a great player

[@dub16100]

I like the guy.

[@trevorbaldwin1]

it was a shame what happened witht he bdo but it provided a chance for a number of players who crossed over to the pdc.

[@leeneale8776]

A great character and player, always makes me laugh :))

[@krishnan-resurrection714]

..I see people talking about Glenn Durrant ...Glen Durrant signalled the end of BDO Lakeside darts...with his zombie-like inhuman characterless persona ...occasional darts fans that used to watch at xmas time were no longer interested and the Game died in the minds and hearts of british public! ......

[@ewanmacfarlane9195]

Shut up what a stupid comment. Durant is a player and competes in the tournament. Its his job to do his best not somehow carry the Bdo to better things or be a massive personality which admitted he doesn't have but that's not his fault.

[@JohnJohnson-tw8qk]

Wasn't the same once DBO left the lakeside

[@fman02]

Ah yes, that alternative organisation that Wolfe played for in secret, the DBO.

[@brianmorecombe2726]

He said it.Unrecoverable.The saddest day was when it ended but it was understandable why players left.The pigheadedness of Olly Croft just didnt listen to them.

[@TyMarshall007]

I like Martin Adams one of the best players but for me the BDO died when it left Lakeside

[@redd605]

Needs to have the sponsorship of BT sport and BBC again and a total revamp like champion league group matches then last 16 Knock out format.

[@bigron766]

I wanna hear some howling

[@AvHanda]

Want Wolfie to join the PDC ... come on Wolfie

[@jameskemp2273]

He's crap

[@jto0194]

He's not crap, but he is to old now.

[@jameskemp2273]

Has never been good enough to play the pdc in my opinion

[@jto0194]

@@jameskemp2273 He could have kept up 15-20 years ago. The level in the PDC was completely different. Maybe not with Taylor or Barney, but definitely Top 32/64.

[@doraemon402]

@@jto0194 He is crap for the PDC. Not necessarily because of his level of play but because he can't handle a crowd where the median age is below 80. If there's any noise, he just stops. He's done it a couple times at the BDO and I'd expect him to do the same.

[@Glasschin2.0]

Barney leaving was one the nails in the coffin

[@WillieDines1]

The BDO died in 1993 when the top players left and formed the PDC because of Olly Croft refusing to see the bigger picture.

[@alanhargreaves-thevoiceofr2361]

IT WAS STILL GOOD RIGHT UP to 2014 ....Hernes is a Greedy parasite and has destroyed british darts for the working man .. ..

[@anthonymatute6057]

Barney joining the PDC in 2006 only made things for the BDO worse

[@mikerochburns4104]

BDO "we play proper darts" - Martin Adams. _well that aged like a fine milk_ Seriously though, I would loved to have seen Martin in the PDC. You can only know how good you really are when playing against the best of the very best.

[@alanhargreaves-thevoiceofr2361]

...still think pdc is the very best now ? . ....you seriously think 'Nathan aspinall' could have won a set against John Lowe or Phil Taylor ? . . . !!! LOL....

[@mikerochburns4104]

@@alanhargreaves-thevoiceofr2361 Alex Belfield is a w⚓

[@FraserThorburn-wr8st]

​@@mikerochburns4104Alex Belfield is a n*nce

[@garyandrewimrie687]

pissing myself laughing at some of the comments on here about the bdo....3 of the4 semi finalists in the pdc worlds yesterday...camefrom the bdo...and 2 of them didnt even win the bdo worlds.....

[@FraserThorburn-wr8st]

PDC = Phil Taylor and Russ Bray BDO = Tony Fleet and Martin Fitzmaurice

[@NUFC2412]

Never moved with the times...... could have been saved years ago

[@anthonymcadams8313]

BDO is finished unless its sold to a rich organization.

[@martinrignall1435]

he will have to play peterbough league?

[@graememcfee23]

even the bdo ref,s moved to the pdc lol

[@martinwilliams2556]

Ref,s ffs?? Jesus! go learn English!

[@graememcfee23]

@@martinwilliams2556 sorry hadn,t realised the keyboard police were in bet your the type of cretin who notice,s continuity mistokes as well 🤣🤣🤣🤣saddo

[@stepheng8779]

@@martinwilliams2556 Since when was "go learn English" proper English? Pedant.

[@FraserThorburn-wr8st]

​​@@martinwilliams2556shut up grammar police

[@martinwilliams2556]

No. It's an important job.

[@manukpetrosyan5362]

Will Barry Hearn try to buy BDO one more time or not?

[@anthonymatute6057]

Not anymore

[@paulmarshall7613]

I used to be a wear wolf but am alright nowooooooooooooo !!

[@martinwilliams2556]

Werewolf you bloody ignoramous!

[@paulmarshall7613]

It's related to his stage walk on song. You drip !

[@pos3945]

I bet he regrets never moving to the PDC he was defo good enough , shame about the BDO and a shame on the current BDO world champion Wayne Warren only getting about £20,000 for winning it yet Glen durrant 2019 world champion got £100,000 ,says a lot really

[@kevoconnor145]

He never wanted to leave the County game.

[@alanhargreaves-thevoiceofr2361]

BDO was the working class amateur game .....barry hernes 'private darts corporation' is a disgrace to british everywhere ..like when they privatised British Gas ...

[@FraserThorburn-wr8st]

​@@alanhargreaves-thevoiceofr2361if the split in 1993 hadn't happened then darts would have died a death long before the BDO did...The split saved darts in the long run

[@brucedickinson12]

Was never the same after the IRA packed in

[@martinmarkhusband438]

Wolf man watch out for the silver bullet

[@BenDover-mi1rx]

If he'd had the balls to move to the PDC like the rest, he'd have earned shit loads of money like the rest of them too! And for the idiot that called the breakaway players 'greedy' for going after more money, don't be so stupid. You'd have done the same. Why hang around in the BDO when they were getting very little money thrown at them and had very few events? The management was shocking. Barry Hearn knew what he was doing!

[@Timekeeper1200]

Maybe he was just in it for the darts rather than the fame and money?

[@billybullshitter6817]

@@Timekeeper1200 yeah right!!! Don't talk stupid. Adams was scared to move coz he knew he wasn't good enough to compete with the breakaway players. He thought he could be the big fish in a little pond.

[@colinjohnstone1992]

He didn't mention the PDC, hmmmm i wonder why?

[@craigmills3133]

My thoughts exactly

[@alanhargreaves-thevoiceofr2361]

..because its shit ? !!!

[@Blupa.]

Unfortunately all good things come to an end … especially when money is involved but I don’t blame the players 👍

[@kingshearer2]

It would be good if they had a tournament replicating the BDO with a much smaller venue and a few tables and chairs rather than huge arenas they have today with the fans singing the same boring songs every five minutes. It wouldn't happen though since not enugh money in it.

[@tonygee5495]

He's a very good player, and a gentleman.

[@keithshippey230]

You see that corporation crush anything in it’s way for profit

[@darrengrimmer8541]

Why did he never move to the PDC????

[@andyhumphrey9351]

he was england team captain, he loved playing for england. if he moved to pdc. the england thing would come to an end.

[@GretatheEvilGremlin]

@@andyhumphrey9351 In real terms though, it meant nothing. There were quite a few (BDO players) got giddy over this `playing for my country` nonsense. At the end of the day, darts is an individual sport, one annual World Cup event is quite sufficient, for players to represent their country. Funny thing is, they played all these games for England, against the same relatively poor opposition, pretty much a waste of time.

[@pam-gw6uk]

'Cos he'd be slaughtered there.

[@AR-dn6kh]

I only realised it had moved when it was on some shit freeview channel. BDO has been dire for years anyway.

[@4BJLOVEMYCOCK]

Barry hearn deserves all the credit on making the game what it is, sure he's made a few bob himself but America is about to break all the rules, once America is involved expect £1,000,000 prize moneys on a regular.

[@robbo2099]

Did Adams never make the switch to PDC because he knew he wouldn't be relevant?

[@jimmynich4791]

Probably but Martin Adams had been competing on the BDO circuit before there was a PDC and even though he would've been a lot less relevant he probably would've made more money in the PDC so I can't begrudge him sticking with the BDO.

[@jimmynich4791]

@shredderkrang I agree completely and that kind of loyalty is very rarely shown in pro sports now or in most things in life. Most people are looking for that greener grass and those that don't regret it sometimes. When friends ask me advice on personal matters I just tell them go with your gut, at least then if it's the wrong decision it was your decision.

[@jimmynich4791]

@shredderkrang Yeah I was generalising a bit, just saying I can't say do this or do that about most things.

[@michaelmyers4053]

Martin Adams was great player on his day he could beat anybody even pdc players

[@peterbushby9009]

Yes

[@daveholt35]

Time to move over martin 👌

[@cornevangulik6166]

Why doesn’t Martin join the PDC?

[@itsainsley1072]

It’s much harder, he might not even qualify

[@pandapopchart4950]

@@itsainsley1072 Exactly. If it was ever going to happen, it needed to happen at least 5 years ago when he was still competitive. He wouldn't have won a PDC world title but at his peak, he would've been a top 10 player in the PDC.

[@alanhargreaves-thevoiceofr2361]

its easy now ..the players are pretty poor .. . .