''There's someone angry every week'' - Van der Voort on critical comments in his weekly podcast

Vincent van der Voort has made his presence felt on several fronts in the darts world over the past week. The former top professional spoke with great respect about James Wade’s openness in Wolverhampton, where the Englishman made a profound impression with his candid account of his son’s struggles. Van der Voort also reflected on his earlier criticism of Danny Noppert on Viaplay—criticism he now believes may have had a positive effect.

During the Grand Slam of Darts group stage, Wade drew more attention for his emotional interview than for his results. The 40-year-old was eliminated after just two matches, including a defeat to close friend Gerwyn Price. Van der Voort, long one of Wade’s closest companions on tour, understood why that early exit might have been inevitable. “He looked out of his comfort zone,” the Dutchman said on the Darts Draait Door podcast. “And with the problems he’s dealing with regarding his son… of course that plays a part. I know better than most that when things aren’t right at home, it weighs heavily.”

Wade opened up about the challenges his young son faces due to ADHD—a condition Wade also lives with. Van der Voort, who knows Wade well, empathised deeply. “I’ve talked with James many times about the disorder. He knows exactly what his son will have to face now. As a father, the last thing you want is for your child to go through something difficult. You want to protect them, but you can’t. He knows the coming years will be tough for the boy. I can imagine what that does to you as a parent.”

Van der Voort even suggested that Wade’s early exit may have been a blessing. “Perhaps it’s for the best that he went out early. Now he can be home with his son,” said the former pro, who still holds fond memories of his time travelling the circuit with “The Machine.” “James doesn’t tolerate just anyone around him. If someone sat at his table by accident, he’d make them so uncomfortable they’d move. I always found that amusing—I get on very well with James. We tolerate each other.”

Van der Voort also spoke candidly about compatriot Danny Noppert. Earlier this year on the same podcast, he criticised the Frisian for what he saw as inconsistent performances on the European Tour. Since then, however, Noppert—who recently reached the Grand Slam quarter-finals in convincing fashion—appears to have sharpened his edge.

On Viaplay, Van der Voort was reminded of those earlier comments. “Yes, but no player likes hearing something they don’t want to hear,” he said of Noppert’s initial reaction. “But I’m used to it—someone’s angry with me every week.”

Still, Van der Voort believes the criticism may have spurred Noppert on. “Not that he took it out on us,” he joked, “but after he got a bit annoyed that we didn’t give him enough credit, he did change something.”

According to Van der Voort, Noppert is now playing with greater intent. “He’s become a bit more aggressive, more assertive—and it suits him. He had a really strong tournament. I’m curious whether he now feels this is the right approach for him: showing a bit more to his opponent, showing a bit more emotion, playing more aggressively. It’s outside his comfort zone, because that’s not naturally him,” Van der Voort said.