15/01/2021

Priestley discusses rise of PDC: “I think they have done extremely well under the circumstances”

Dennis Priestley was one of the founding members of the PDC back in the split days and speaking recently ‘The Menace’ was really impressed with the way they have rose in recent years and dealt with darts in the pandemic.

“What the PDC board have done in recent years has been excellent. There is more money involved now and it’s on a par with snooker. I think they have done extremely well under the circumstances,” said Priestley to Darts World.

"Obviously, it was important to carry on with the calendar as that brings in a vital revenue from Sky but they will miss the money they generated from bums on seats. “They have some set aside so can ride the storm for the time being.”

While the Mexborough ace isn’t an avid viewer anymore of darts, he still keeps his eye on it and including on the new crop of players coming through.

“I was delighted to see Dimitri van den Bergh win the World Matchplay as I worked with him 18 months ago at an exhibition and I found him to be a really nice friendly lad, huge talent too. “It’s great to see other nationalities coming through and winning big events. Krzysztof Ratajski is a player I like and Mensur Suljovic too. They give the PDC a strong European feel.”

Despite his resume, Priestley has never appeared as a pundit or commentator but he continued and said that if he was asked, he’d do it.

“They never asked me. Maybe I am not eloquent enough with my Yorkshire accent. But if they asked me in the morning it’s something I would love to do of course.”

Starting his career in the BDO system before becoming a founding member of the PDC, Priestley was sad to see the demise of the former but like many believes a certain offer which wasn’t taken was a big mistake.

THROWBACK VIDEO: Priestley wins 1991 World Championship on debut against Bristow

“Olly Croft should have taken the million that Barry Hearn put on the table that time to buy the BDO out."

“I was at an event with their current champion, Wayne Warren in February at the O2 and it was a day before the deadline for his winnings to be paid in full but sadly he never received it.”

But despite being in retirement, ‘The Menace’ is still an exhibition favourite which he hopes to continue doing when the pandemic is over.

“Family is very important so spending as much time with my wife, four children and two grandchildren will always be my priority.

“I do like to keep active and before lockdown I was doing up a house with roofing and brickwork. I still keep in touch with the lads and am available for exhibitions".

“Last year I was fortunate enough to work in China with John Lowe and was also with him and Bob Anderson in Tenerife back in March. I hope to carry on doing a fair bit on the exhibition circuit when things get back to normal as it’s something I always enjoy and great to catch up with the lads.”