Durrant opens up on Premier League struggles: 'This is without doubt the toughest part of my career'

Glen Durrant became the first player to finish on zero points during a Premier League Darts season as his title defence did not go to plan.

Durrant's darting struggles were honed in on during his campaign with the three-time Lakeside winner not being at his best since his victory over Nathan Aspinall in last year's Premier League final.

He caught up to Teesside Live on returning home and reflected on his struggles and what's next.

"This is without doubt the toughest part of my career," he said this week to Teesside Live.

"I read somewhere about the Scott Waites and Martin Adams losses and how tough they must have been, but I was on the crest of a wave then.

"The Waites loss was tough because I'd dominated that year. Adams is my favourite game, I was a Super League pub player fighting for a place in the Lakeside final.

He also discussed how certain players in the past have been on top of their game and have gone into the Premier League and faltered which is what he is afraid of.

"This is different. This is my job now. If I can't do my job, what next? I always had this five year plan. If it continues much longer....if you haven't got the tools for the trade any more...

"You think of Wes Newton and Colin Osborne, guys who were winning tournaments, top three in the world, Premier League players and then when something goes wrong in their throw, it's a long, long road back.

"There are so many demons and negatives, they outweigh the positives that people are trying to give you.

"I try to put a brave face on as much as possible, especially around close family. When it's affecting them, it makes it twice or three times as hard.

Messages of support from players and fans

He also discussed the messages of support he received during his Premier League campaign through his struggles but also how his on-stage issues affected him in the bubble.

"I've had so many messages of support from all over the world and it means so much," he added.

"The other players have been great but I don't want sympathy. I'd rather be getting called a flat footed elephant from Gerwyn Price because it means you're getting under the skin of the players.

"Every single player was behind me last week. That's nice, but I don't want to hear that.

"I was very reclusive there. I practised on my own. I didn't want to practise with them because my practise game was worse than what the match game was. The other lads are hitting 180s and laughing and joking.

"When you're in a bubble like that it's tough. You're looking at four walls, when you're losing heavily and not playing well, it's a lonely place, let me tell you.

"It tested me. I've never shirked a challenge but I wanted to come home two or three times."