"There have been plenty of more methodical players than me, like Dennis Priestley, Justin Pipe": Mickey Mansell pushes back on 'rivalry' with James Wade

As the darting calendar reaches its most intense stretch, Mickey Mansell finds himself in a familiar position: balancing disappointment with renewed purpose, and looking ahead to another opportunity on the biggest stage of all.

From narrowly missing out on a Grand Slam return, the Northern Irishman sat down with Tungsten Tales to reflect on Wolverhampton, his career-defining perseverance, and the hunger that still drives him after a decade and a half in the PDC.

Mansell’s run to the knockout stages of last year’s Grand Slam remains one of the finest moments of his career. Yet there will be no encore this year after a tight defeat to Mike De Decker in qualifying. “I felt confident and comfortable,” Mansell explains. “But Mike De Decker played very well. He took out 126 to go 4–2 up, and I was sitting on a finish. It sucked the life out of me.”

Despite the frustration, he holds no bitterness. “I’m disappointed, but I can’t complain. He played well — and then he ran into Conor Scott throwing four ton-plus averages. It happens.”

Still, the memories of last year linger. Mansell arrived in Wolverhampton then with belief after a superb qualifying run including wins over Matt Campbell, Raymond van Barneveld and Gerwyn Price. “I had 110 average against Campbell. Something just clicked that day,” he recalls. “This year I was playing well too. I was consistent. I felt good going into it.”

The Grand Slam group-stage format, where players are guaranteed three matches, proved invaluable for Mansell last year. "It gives you a chance to get your feet on the ground. In most TV events, lose your first game and you’re out. With the Grand Slam, you can find your feet and build,” he says. “It definitely helped going into the World Championship.”

Mansell admits the allure of big-stage darts remains powerful. “You want to compete against the best to see how good you are. That’s where the hunger comes from.”

One of the more talked-about moments of last year’s Grand Slam was a small war of words between Mansell and James Wade.

“What do I remember? I remember he doesn’t remember me!” Mansell laughs. “Look, it was tongue in cheek; you can take it whatever way you want. James is James. I’ve too many things going on in my life to be worrying about him.”

He explains how the group dynamics may have contributed. “The group would have been open and James probably thought he had an opportunity to top the group. Maybe when I beat him the thought process was totally different after that.”

Mansell isn’t sure what specifically sparked any irritation. “He probably expected to beat me. Then the group opened up when Rowby-John beat Luke Humphries — it changed everything. After I beat James, the thought process was different.”

On suggestions that his methodical pace caused irritation, Mansell pushes back and broadens the point. “James keeps telling everybody how long he’s been playing darts — he’s played against everybody. There have been plenty of more methodical players than me, like Dennis Priestley, Justin Pipe, who have had a lot more success, and James has played them too. You can’t play the game to suit your opponent — you have to play to suit yourself. Phil Taylor never said anyone was too fast or too slow — he just beat whoever was in front of him. Sometimes boys use it as an excuse.”

Mansell sums up with typical pragmatism: “It was tongue in cheek. Whatever James’ take is on the day, so be it — it’s just another game for me.”

Despite missing the Grand Slam, Mansell’s season remains a success. He has qualified for the Players Championship Finals and sits inside the top 40 on the Order of Merit, guaranteeing his place at Alexandra Palace. “At the start of the year, bar the top 32, everyone is aiming for those two events,” he says. “Last year I didn’t qualify for the Players Championship Finals, so that was a goal. Thankfully I’m in.”

The increased prize money at the World Championship provides a valuable opportunity. “I’m well placed and looking forward to it, after the last couple of years and the eventful games I’ve had.”

January will mark 15 years since Mansell first earned his Tour Card, a milestone that still surprises him. “I was literally coming from pub league darts. I won a qualifier, got into the World Championship, and had about £3,500 to give Q School a go — the first-ever Q School. Chizzy, John Henderson, James Wade were all there, and I was a no-name.”

Winning a Tour Card should have been a breakthrough. Instead, it began years of stress and financial strain. “For six or seven years I was financing myself. £100 a tournament. I was winning money to go to the next tournament, no backing, no sponsorship. Looking back, it wasn’t ideal for a professional environment.”

He contrasts that with today’s landscape. “Now nearly everyone on the Challenge Tour and Development Tour is sponsored. No entry fees. It’s stress-free compared to seven or eight years ago. Back then, you had to perform to catch the eye of a sponsor.”

For Mansell survival was year-to-year. “I didn’t think I’d be here this long. There were no guarantees. I’ve played my way to stay here. I’m still hanging in.”

Mansell has watched some of the sport’s biggest names leave the professional ranks in recent years. “Simon Whitlock dropping off the tour, Adrian Lewis, Premier League players like Mark Webster, Wes Newton… players younger than me,” he lists. “It’s strange how I’ve hung in. You see boys at the pinnacle, and how quick and dramatic the fall can be.”

He notes he started late compared with many. “I didn’t come on to the tour until I was 38. Wayne Mardle quit at 38. Colin Lloyd is the same age as me. I’ve had a career after their careers.”

Despite everything, Mansell’s passion remains strong. “If I wasn’t playing in the PDC, I’d be at home playing tournaments. It’s about winning. Money’s a big thing, but you want to compete against the best to see how good you are.”

He believes one spark can change his trajectory again. “It only takes one day. I’ve seen so many boys get a run on the Pro Tour and everything changes. The belief is always there.”