“No one will ever do what Luke Littler has done” — Charlie Manby sets out ambitions after signing for Target Darts and securing PDC Tour Card

Charlie Manby has spoken to the DartsNews Podcast after signing a multi-year deal with Target and securing his PDC Tour Card, as one of darts’ rising talents prepares for a pivotal first full season on the professional circuit.

The 20-year-old, who broke through at Alexandra Palace last December, now steps into the next phase of his career with major backing in place, addressing comparisons to the sport’s biggest names while outlining a clear set of ambitions for the year ahead.

Reflecting on a whirlwind period both on and off the oche, following both his Target signing and the recent announcement that he is set to become a father, Manby added to DartsNews.com: “Yeah, it’s been good, everything’s just dropping into place quite nicely, and yeah I’m looking forward to the journey and everything.”

That support has extended beyond the dartboard, too, as he begins the next phase of his career. “She’ll support me all the way as well, so yeah, definitely more than happy.”

Having come through the same England youth pathway as Luke Littler, Manby is among the group of emerging players now being measured against the sport’s most explosive recent rise. When that comparison was put to him, his response struck a clear balance between ambition and realism.

“I’ll never — no one will ever do the same as what he’s done — but yeah, I definitely want to get to where he is obviously and you know pick up all the majors like he’s done and climb up the rankings and get in the Premier League, stuff like that. So yeah, definitely somewhat similar to what I want to do, but you know it’s never going to be the same.”

It is a grounded perspective from a player whose own trajectory has accelerated quickly. A record-breaking 130.70 average on the Development Tour highlighted his ceiling, while his run to the fourth round on debut at the 2025 to 2026 PDC World Darts Championship established him on the biggest stage in the sport.

With a Tour Card now secured, the focus shifts to how that potential translates across a full year on the professional circuit. While external expectations may already be building, Manby’s approach remains measured. “I just want to take it one step at a time, one game at a time, and yeah, just qualify for all the majors first. Then, hopefully, start winning games and winning them.”

That steady mindset continues when discussing specific targets for the year ahead. “I just want to qualify for Euro Tours, majors, and just keep climbing up the rankings, really and get in a good, comfortable spot,” he explains. “I just want to see how it goes, and keep pushing on, gain experience for the first year. A few more TV tournaments and Euro Tours would be good, yeah.”

For a player transitioning from standout prospect to full-time professional, the emphasis on experience and gradual progression reflects the stage he is at in his development.

Manby’s rise has now been matched by significant backing off the oche, with Target confirming a multi-year agreement as part of their latest intake of emerging talent.

Speaking in the official announcement, Manby said: “Signing with Target is a massive step for me in my career. I’ve worked hard to get to this point, and I’m excited to be joining some amazing players. Now it’s about kicking on and making the most of the opportunity. I’m buzzing to get started and see how far I can go.”

Target’s Group CEO James Tattersall also underlined the belief behind the move. “Charlie is an exceptional talent and one of the most exciting young players in the sport. His humility, work ethic and ambition match what we want to achieve at Target. We’re honoured to share his journey and support him with the world’s best equipment to take his game to another level. He showed during the World Championships that he has superstar potential - we can’t wait to see what he’ll go on to achieve.”

The deal reflects a body of work that has already marked Manby out as one of the most promising young players in the sport, from his Development Tour record average to his breakthrough performances on the Alexandra Palace stage.

That run at Alexandra Palace provided a first taste of the sport’s biggest stage, but Manby is already looking ahead to where he wants to go next. “I want to play on all of them obviously, but the Matchplay is a big one for me in Blackpool, I really like that. I’ve been going there for the past three or four years, however long it’s been watching, so yeah, it’d be good to play on that stage.”

Whether that familiarity will offer any advantage when he returns as a player remains an open question. “Possibly maybe yeah, but I suppose we’ll have to see.”

With a Tour Card secured, major backing in place and a clear understanding of the steps required to progress, Manby now enters a defining stretch of his career as he looks to translate potential into consistent results on the PDC stage.