Mardle on era of empty arenas ahead of Premier League fan return: “We’re in the entertainment business, we want to see the characters be themselves"

Wayne Mardle will be as usual a focal point on Sky Sports Darts coverage of the Premier League when it returns on Monday with fans in the Marshall Arena for the first time since the World Championship and over a sustained period in the UK for over a year.

Speaking to DartsNews on the launch of his new book, Slinging Arrows – How not to be a Professional Dart Player, Mardle discussed what it has been like to be involved with the empty arena side of it and how much he is looking forward to fans returning as a pundit and commentator.

“It’s been awkward really because you get the screams from the players who have done something amazing at that time or something just to get under their opponents’ skin but because it’s so quiet. It feels a bit anticlimactic; it feels like this isn’t a big moment but in the grand scheme of things it was,” said Mardle to DartsNews.com.

“Obviously there is no atmosphere but the lack of it. It doesn’t feel that important but I can’t wait for them to come back on the 24th for the last few days and the players need them. We’re in the entertainment business as well, we want to see the characters be themselves. Michael van Gerwen went into his shell for a bit, as did Gerwyn Price.”

“Unfortunately for Gerwyn, we’re not really going to see him until the World Matchplay. Hopefully there will be a crowd there because the lockdown would have been eased completely and the world will get back to normal-ish. I’m massively looking forward to it and hopefully the fans are at home as well.”

“There will be watching what will appear like a different sport so I’m overwhelmed to be part of it still, I’m a lucky human being.”

The question will be who will benefit from the return of fans and Mardle discussed Peter Wright’s troubles as well as a specific trio including the World Champion, Gerwyn Price who due to a positive test at the start of the Premier League won’t see fans again till at least the World Matchplay who he believes need it.

“I kind of feel for Peter (Wright), he’s had it from all angles. His wife, Jo has had to have back surgery again. He’s clearly having trouble with a shoulder or neck muscle. His form’s not particularly great. Nathan Aspinall will benefit, Michael van Gerwen will benefit. I think Gary Anderson will as well as he’s seemed a bit flat at times,” he continued.

“I think they will all benefit to a point but as for those who really need it, it’s Price who were not going to see, it’s Van Gerwen and Aspinall and I’m hoping to see them do their thing when we have full crowds.”