"There were other options apart from those two": James Wade maintains Aspinall and Dobey shouldn't have been in Premier League Darts

James Wade remains firm in his belief that Nathan Aspinall and Chris Dobey did not earn their places in the 2024 Premier League Darts line-up. The selection of Aspinall, in particular, has raised eyebrows, despite his strong track record in past editions of the tournament.

Dobey returned this year after making his debut in 2023, while Aspinall was handed a wildcard despite enduring a difficult season plagued by injuries. His inclusion has sparked debate, with both Mike De Decker and former world number six Dave Chisnall previously voicing their disapproval. Chisnall even suggested Aspinall’s popular walk-on song, Mr. Brightside by The Killers, may have played more of a role than his recent form.

Wade, a 10-time major champion, echoed these sentiments during the UK Open, where he hinted that commercial interests play a role in the Premier League selection process. “I think two players that got in were probably because they are part of something that’s bigger than darts,” he said.

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Speaking further on talkSPORT Breakfast, Wade stood by his earlier comments, clarifying that they weren’t intended as an attack but rather as an honest assessment.

“It wasn’t a criticism. It was an opinion. There’s a couple of reasons why one of them got in and that would be Nathan (Aspinall). Nathan’s never, ever had a bad Premier League. He’s always produced good darts. He’s always been there or thereabouts.

“I think there’s only one time where he’s not finished inside the top four. Do I think he should have been in this year? No, I don’t. But I know why they put him in. He’s reliable and he’s good at what he does. The crowd do like him.

“I think probably there’s another player that should have gone in his place, and the same again for Chris Dobey. I think there could have been other players. There were other options apart from those two.”

Despite the criticism, Aspinall hasn’t shied away from the challenge. After eight nights of action, he currently sits sixth in the Premier League table, with Dobey in seventh. Aspinall has delivered a mixed bag of results—two finals, two semifinals, and a few early exits.

Most recently, he edged out Michael van Gerwen 6-5 before falling to world champion Luke Humphries in the semifinals. Just days later, he showcased his pedigree by claiming the European Darts Trophy in Germany—his maiden PDC European Tour title—beating Ryan Joyce 8-4 in the final and pocketing £30,000 in prize money.

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If Aspinall maintains this form, he’ll be a strong contender for next year’s Premier League—potentially silencing Wade, who believes rankings should carry more weight in selection decisions.

"I think there’s a reason why someone’s ranked inside the top eight or the top ten. I think rankings should be looked at a little bit more than they are.

“It does get looked at as a business because it is. You’ve got other players that aren’t as popular. Let’s put it that way.”

Wade also named Jonny Clayton as a player he felt was unfairly overlooked. “Jonny Clayton should have been in it, in my opinion. Is he as popular as Nathan? Probably not. But he’s up there in the rankings.”

The 41-year-old concluded by taking aim at the recurring invitations extended to certain players who, in his view, haven't consistently delivered.

“It’s not criticism, it’s an opinion. We saw it with other players over the years that have been constantly re-invited back to the event. They haven’t even done the business when they’ve been in it, and they’re also not doing the business in the other tournaments.

“Is that right or is that wrong? I guess from a business point of view, it’s the right decision because they’re there to sell tickets and they’re there to make the PDC money. But is it on fair merit all the time?”

James Wade is critical of the way the Premier League Darts lineup has come about

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