Anderson’s manager Gilmour reflects on career of Hearn: “There’s been people I’ve worked closely with but Barry has been the best”

Barry Hearn recently announced his retirement from Matchroom Sport after a 40 year career with son Eddie taking the reins including in the PDC.

Gary Anderson’s manager Tommy Gilmour has worked closely with Hearn over the years and the Dunvegan supremo discussed him stepping down and his career as a whole.

“I think it’s the right thing that he’s done. Eddie has done a great job and it’s the right time now to step aside,” said Gilmour to Oche.

“Barry knew before anybody else that I was retiring or he knew when I was having a problem. The same way he told me last week that he was stepping down. There’s just things you can tell your pals and they’re sacred.

“He’ll still be the guy I go to to moan at. You can’t break a habit of a lifetime! He can’t help himself but stick his nose in. But he’s got a young vibrant team that he’s handing things over to.

“The change won’t make any difference to darts whatsoever. Eddie will be in control but darts will run under Matt Porter as usual. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.”

“There’s been people I’ve worked closely with but Barry has been the best. He always had that vision, vibrancy and creativeness.

“I was nuts and bolts in the joint ventures that we did together. He was much more flamboyant.

“It’s so diverse what he’s done. From the world of boxing to the world of ping pong. From fishing to ten pin bowling.

“He’s taken sports that people have enjoyed and taken them to a different level. He always wanted to make it enjoyable, not just to watch but to participate in.”