"This year, I didn’t deserve it - hadn’t done enough": Chris Dobey sets his sights on a Premier League comeback
PDCSaturday, 08 August 2026 at 17:15
Chris Dobey is known as one of the most down-to-earth players on the PDC circuit. No private jets, exclusive watches or luxurious lifestyle, but a simple meal, a game of Football Manager and an afternoon with his family.
ADVERTISEMENT
In an extensive conversation with Bang-on-Target, the Englishman looks back on his life away from the darts board, his season, his switch to MODUS, his pursuit of a first Euro Tour title and his chances of returning to the Premier League Darts.
No glamour, just a simple life
While some top athletes surround themselves with luxury, Dobey prefers to keep things simple as he spoke eating Super Noodles.
That perfectly sums up the current world number eight. Away from the stage, 'Hollywood' leads a remarkably ordinary life. “I live in Bedlington with my partner and children," he said. “Spend time with the family and often go to watch the football.”
Anyone expecting Dobey to fill his spare time with golf, sponsor events or a jet-set lifestyle will be disappointed. Football remains his great passion.
As a passionate Newcastle United supporter, Dobey closely followed developments at his club. The departure of manager Eddie Howe also came as a complete surprise to him. “I was literally at home when I heard the news. Looked at my phone in the morning and thought… wow… what the hell. It was ridiculous."
ADVERTISEMENT
“What he did for the club… no one will forget. I am sure he asked at the end of last season to leave, once they’d found a replacement.”
Who would he go for to replace Howe though if it wasn't Matthias Jaissle? “I’d have gone for someone like Diego Simeone personally. Pay the money. But I’m excited with who they got. A young manager, so hopefully he can do a good job.”
Chris Dobey in action.
Football remains central at home too. However, his eldest son does not fully share that passion. “I’ve not took my youngest son yet. Oh hang on, yes I took him to one game. He’s not that interested. Been to quite a few but not massively into it."
Last summer, Dobey travelled to Ibiza with a large part of the English PDC elite for Nathan Aspinall's bachelor party. “That was Nathan’s idea. There were a few options, including Portugal. I’d never been to Ibiza before. Probably shouldn’t have done it in the youngster days.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Calvin Harris performed during the celebrations, after which the group ended up in a karaoke bar. “On one of the nights, I went to see Calvin Harris. Then ended up in a karaoke bar. I did quite a few actually. Sex On Fire was one of them. Ross [Smith] sang Parklife. Joe [Cullen] was Champagne Supernova and Andy Boulton did My Way by Frank Sinatra.” And Aspinall? “Yeah, he sang Mr Brightside.”
Still searching for that first Euro Tour title
Although Dobey now has several major PDC titles to his name, one prize is still missing from his trophy cabinet: a Euro Tour title.
He is regularly described as one of the best players never to have won one. He can do little to argue against that himself.
“Best player not to win one? I’m definitely up there. I’ve played well, just walked into lads who were doing pretty much the same.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Yet he has no doubt that his first victory will eventually come. “I’ll get one eventually.”
A new chapter with MODUS
After being represented by ZXF for several years, Dobey recently switched to MODUS, alongside close friend Nathan Aspinall. “My first tournament with MODUS was The Masters in January. I am still the same player, but I am very happy and getting more exhibitions and a few different sponsors.”
According to Dobey, little has changed in terms of his game, but behind the scenes the new partnership does give him more opportunities. Dobey is particularly pleased with his season so far.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Very happy. I’ve played some good darts… putting myself in contention… winning most boards. Playing well. I’m not at my best… but definitely consistent. My bad game is mid-90s… that’s where you want your bad game.”
That stable form has once again given him an impressive winning percentage in the floor tournaments this season and helped him return to the top of the world rankings.
Something also changed away from the board. Dobey replaced his old shirt, which was heavily inspired by Newcastle United, with a new design from Target.
He had a major influence on the final design himself. “Everyone gets an input. Wanted to keep it the Newcastle United colours but decided to ditch St James’ Park and the club crest and instead go for a more Northumberland feel.”
“I saw the pictures of the new shirt before production. Then I went to try it on – you know, for fitting purposes.”
ADVERTISEMENT
New darts in development
His equipment is also being worked on. Dobey has been playing with the first generation of his Target darts for some time, but a successor is being developed behind the scenes.
“I’m trying to sort a Gen Two. I’ve been given a few prototypes and just trying them out to see which one is perfect.”
After years of walking out to Let's Get Ready To Rhumble by PJ & Duncan (Ant & Dec), Dobey recently decided to choose a new walk-on song: Hey Jude by The Beatles. “I just wanted something to change. There was nowt wrong with the Ant & Dec one. I just thought it was time for a change.”
The choice was anything but random. “I wanted something that’s played at St James’ Park “Na na na (and a few more na’s), then … Geordies.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Read also
Premier League? First, a good World Championship run
Finally, the conversation turned to a possible return to the Premier League Darts. Dobey was absent from the prestigious field this season, but he himself recognises that the decision was justified.
He does see opportunities for next season, although he knows that a strong World Championship will be needed. “This year, I didn’t deserve it. Hadn’t done enough. For next season, form-wise, I’m in with a chance but probably need a good run at the World’s, then maybe I will be in contention.”
With his consistent performances, a return to the world's elite and the confidence he is showing, Chris Dobey appears to be putting himself firmly back in contention for a return to the Premier League.
ADVERTISEMENT
Samuel GillChief Content Officer
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just in
Popular news
Latest comments
- How can PDC players play in streamed events?medinabello04-08-2026
- Great comment, some of the matches were a bit one sided but that was more to do with the quality on show.mikedarts03-08-2026
- I just think Aspinall loves the razzmatazz rather than real darts, goes on about his walk on and the premier league, loves exhibitions and proposed a 'royal rumble' and i'm not sure if it was him that suggested a Ryder Cup style tournament? I think they do need to look at how the ranking tournaments are treated, the UK Open, Euro Championships, Players' Championship all shoe-horned into four or so days rather than lasting all week and giving more players a chance to be on the big stage.Baphomet03-08-2026
- I play at home against myself, sometimes on Dartcounter, never played league or county. My best average on 501 was 107 which I hit last year. Today I was averaging 94 on a few games of 501, no warm up, just a quick chuck after dinner. I imagine it's a bit different up on stage. I play well at home though and do pretty good for only around 20 minutes play per day. 🙂PaulC02-08-2026
- Indeed I've been to Dublin on numerous occasion the atmosphere was electric and the crowd were always pumped plus the City West was a cool venue. It was a good week away The double start and finish is different and actually very enjoyable but a week in a nothing happening crime riddled city in a soulless stadium does not appeal. The venue does not merit the competition and format.richieburnettrocks02-08-2026
- the grand prix is struggling so we need to change the format? it's the only tournament that HAS a different variant, and the reason it's struggling is the shitty venue/crowd, not the format. literally any other tournament on the calendar would've been a better example.colt01-08-2026
- Beau's just gone 14-12-11-10 to win her second round PC game from 5-2 down. She's a true competitor not a show pony.Scoobedybop29-07-2026
- Quite rightly Beau is more interested in winning meaningful matches?Baphomet29-07-2026
- I really enjoyed the Women's Matchplay, Beau seemed slightly nervous but when it mattered, she hit the big scores and required check outs. Both Gemma and Fallon had her on the ropes and were equally unlucky. I wonder what ever happened to Gemma's partner Stephanie Smee, she was a decent player that just disappeared. Good to see her. I would like to see a longer format maybe over Saturday and Sunday. It does work well and this could be an option in the World Championship, a ladies Championship run parallel with the men's like played at Lakeside. Congratulations Beau!richieburnettrocks28-07-2026
- Sophie is an excellent player and an exciting talent. I would have thought such a talented player would certainly be ranked higher than 17. It will be great to see her back at Lakeside and hopefully becoming champion.richieburnettrocks21-07-2026
Loading