“Not getting into the Premier League was probably a blessing in disguise” – Nathan Aspinall embraces fresh start after snub

For years, a place in the Premier League Darts lineup has been treated as the ultimate validation of elite status in darts. For Nathan Aspinall, missing out this time has had the opposite effect. Rather than frustration or resentment, the response was clarity, relief, and a sense that the timing might finally be right for a reset.

Speaking after his first-round win at the Winmau World Masters, Aspinall framed the absence not as a setback, but as an opportunity, one that aligns with his form, his schedule, and a wider shift in both his career and personal life.

On paper, the opening-round match against debutant Shane McGuirk looked a tricky test, and that proved true early on. Aspinall was immediately put under pressure when his opponent closed the opening set with a 141 finish. “The 141 to win the first set was a bit of a kick in the neck. It was a great shot and he started really well.”

The moment sharpened his focus. “After that first set, I knew I was in a proper match, but I handled it well.”

Rather than panic, Aspinall quickly identified the issue in his own game. “I played well in that first set, but very quickly I realised I was playing too slow. I don’t know how it came across on TV, but I sped my game up in the last two sets. I was playing well, but I was too methodical.”

The shift in tempo changed the match. “I made a conscious effort to speed things up, and after that, the darts flowed, and I played lovely.”

He also admitted he had to manufacture momentum after a flat opening. “I felt very flat at the start of the game. When something good happened, I knew I had to get the adrenaline going. I got the crowd involved and I could see him wilt a bit.”

Asked whether qualifiers benefit from already having a full day of competition behind them, Aspinall dismissed the suggestion.

“I’m fully prepared. I’m warmed up and ready. There’s no advantage there.”

At this level, he believes preparation is a given rather than a variable.

What stands out most is how relaxed Aspinall sounds when discussing the year ahead. After defending significant prize money last season, he begins 2026 with a near-clean slate.

“I’m defending absolutely nothing this year. Already I’ve knocked ten grand off what I was defending, so now I only need to make £37,000 by October to be where I am now.”

That reality has removed a mental burden. “It’s going to be an exciting year for me. I feel like I’m playing really well. It’s probably the best start to a season I’ve ever had.”

The numbers support that feeling. “I’ve played seven matches and won five titles already. I think I won four all of last year. I’m feeling good, relaxed, and really looking forward to this year.”

Perhaps even more striking than the darts themselves is Aspinall’s demeanour. The smiles come easily, and he is open about why.

“There’s been a lot of change in my life and my career. Changing management was a massive switch for me. I was with Martin for eight years and we had an amazing time together, but we’ve moved on.”

The move has reignited his competitive edge. “It’s new, it’s exciting, and it gives me that energy and fight to perform.”

Away from the oche, there is just as much to look forward to. “I’m also getting married to Kirsty this year, so there’s so much to look forward to. I always smile anyway, but I’ve got an even bigger one this year.”

Missing out on the Premier League initially disappointed him, but perspective has shifted.

“Not getting into the Premier League was probably a blessing in disguise. Obviously you want to be in it, but I honestly think not being there will do me more good.”

That outlook was already in place before the final selections were announced. “Last year was different. I was defending a lot of money. This year I’m defending nothing.”

The practical upside is freedom of schedule. “That means I can play all the Pro Tours. Two years ago I played eight out of 34. I’ve got a free role this year.”

Aspinall was keen to acknowledge the challenge posed by his opponent. “That qualifying day must have been brutal, so fair play to him. He’s clearly playing well to qualify. He was in a good head space.”

While accepting the draw was favourable, he was clear about responsibility. “It was a favourable draw, I’m not going to deny that, but I still had to do a job.”

Behind the renewed form is extensive work away from the stage. “I’ve had so much help away from the board, more than people realise. I work incredibly hard off the oche.”

That process has reshaped his outlook. “In any individual sport, you have to believe in yourself. You’ll have ups and downs. I appreciate what I’ve got and how far I’ve come.”

He did not shy away from reflecting on past struggles. “From nearly ending my career to getting back to this level, it’s a rollercoaster. It’s how you handle that rollercoaster.”

What continues to drive him is simple. “I love this game, and that’s what keeps me fighting.”

Statistically, Aspinall’s performance against McGuirk was convincing, particularly on the doubles. “My finishing has been fantastic this year. Normally that’s the weakest part of my game.”

That improvement has translated into confidence. “First major of the year, averaged 106, 63% on doubles. I’m very happy.”

He remains cautious about looking too far ahead. “It’s January. There’s a long way to go.”

Asked jokingly about title talk, the response was immediate. “If I ever say that, take the mic off me. I don’t want it.”

And as for whether he will be tuning into the Premier League on Thursday nights: “Absolutely not a chance. My Thursday nights can be better spent than watching eight guys play.”

For Aspinall, the absence of a Premier League schedule has stripped away expectation rather than opportunity. Free from weekly obligation, defending pressure, and the noise that often surrounds selection debates, he enters the season with momentum, perspective, and genuine enthusiasm.

Whether that translates into silverware will be decided over the months ahead. But in January, with form flowing, finishing sharp, and life outside darts firmly aligned, Aspinall looks like a player comfortable with where he is, and confident about where he is heading next.