Mardle gives update on potential return of Rod Studd: "Hopefully we're going to see him back doing a few games at the Matchplay"

As a main part of the Sky Sports Darts team for many years since his retirement, Wayne Mardle was part of a long standing team that included the likes of Rod Studd and Dave Clark.

The latter retired during lockdown and for the former who in particular is a very close friend of the former World semi-finalist, he suffered a stroke during May of last year.

Speaking as part of an interview discussing his new book, Slinging Arrows, he gave an update on his fellow commentator and where he is up to in his recovery.

"It's been all change. It just kind of come upon us. Rod Studd had a stroke in middle of May last year, it was a horrendous time. He's getting by, he's getting on. Hopefully we're going to see him back doing a few games at the Matchplay, that's the plan," said Mardle to DartsNews.

"I'm going to actually see him this weekend so he's actually going to pop round. We're going to have a bit of al fresco dining and no doubt a few Pina Coladas will be drunk."

Mardle lauds praise on new darts host, Paton

Since Clark has retired, Nigel Pearson stepped into the void before Emma Paton herself had a stint and since then, she has become as Mardle put it 'the new face of darts'.

He lauded high praise on Paton and the way she has adapted to the role and made it her own after Clark left the sport.

"What Emma Paton has done is nothing short of incredible. She's an amazing addition to the team. You can't take Dave Clark's place, you can't do that because of the way he did it and how long he did it. You don't want to replace him, you just want to make it your own."

"Emma's professionalism, her thinking under pressure, the way she adapts. Her method of working, she is meticulous. There's been many a time that she'll hand over to commentary and she has already rolled off a load of stats and I've said a couple of times, that's my last two hours of preparation absolutely put out with the washing."

"I'm so pleased for her, she deserved a break in darts because she's stepped in at times and made it her own. Now she's the new face of darts."