Luke Littler’s fairytale journey to his first-ever PDC World Darts Championship final may have come to a disappointing end after a 7-4 defeat to world no.1 Luke Humphries, but his humble post-match interview proved exactly why so many have already fallen in love with him.
The 16-year-old darting sensation fell just shy of the World title despite putting on yet another incredible display and even going two sets clear of ‘Cool Hand’ at one point in the match, but beyond his obvious natural affinity for the game, it’s his persona on and off the stage that has once again endeared fans.
Speaking to Sky Sports’ Abigail Davies in the aftermath of his thrilling final — on his World Championship debut, no less — Littler said the “only negative” is that he “lost too many legs” with his own third darts and let the other Luke break his throw on one too many occasions.
Regardless, he said his maiden tournament has been “unbelievable”, insisting that “every game’s been good” and that he’s simply chuffed to now be in the top 32 in the world and have graduated to the pro tour so early in his career.
‘He doesn’t need to develop’ is the kind of cheeky little comment that fans have enjoyed over the past couple of weeks.
Still brimming with pride in himself and clearly focusing on the incredible achievement of being the youngest player in history to reach the final rather than the more immediate sting of falling at the final hurdle, the teenager was just happy to receive such high praise from both his opponent and the crowd as they serenaded him with, “there’s only one Luke Littler!”.
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Humphries had nothing but good things to say of his young adversary, insisting that “Luke has been an unbelievable talent. Not just on the dartboard: he has been fantastic with all the media, and he took defeat so well there.”
The 28-year-old went on to add that he simply had to win this time because “he’s going to dominate world darts soon”, adding, “You will never see another 16-year-old kid like him. He’s something else. He’s one of the finest players in the world, there’s no doubt about that.”
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While most people his age might have let the atmosphere and the emotion get the better of him, he continued to keep the same cool, calm and composed attitude that he exhibited throughout the competition deep into the post-match interviews.
Starting off his post-match presser by saying “I haven’t lost much [on that stage]” and that “you can’t be angry at yourself” for making it to a final, he said that his aim was only ever to “win one game” and that the support he’s received across the nation ever since his opening round victory has been “crazy”.
As well as having the presence of mind to sit and analyse where he went wrong, he also showed a level of grace and gratitude not only for getting to this point in the first place but even while fielding the media’s questions, giving detailed answers and thanking journalists for their time — a trait some of the best and most senior athletes in the world still haven’t mastered.
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Humble, confident and unquestionably skilled in equal measure? Yeah, this lad is going to go far.
Even if, as he said, he doesn’t get to another final for another five or ten years, this talented teen from Warrington has already made a huge impact on darts culture and helped attract a whole new generation of fans with his first TV appearance.
Featured Images — Sky Sports (via X)/TungstenTales (via YouTube)
Sport
Jack Grealish dedicates first league goal in 16 months to late brother on anniversary of his death
Danny Jones
Manchester City star Jack Grealish held back the tears following his first Premier League goal in more than 16 months, but not in relief after breaking the duck, because it came on a very emotional day for him and his family.
The Man City and England midfielder opened the scoring in the Blues’ 2-0 win against Leicester City on Wednesday night, bringing an end to his goal drought after a total of 473 days.
But what made it even more special is that the game happened to coincide with the anniversary of his late brother Keelan’s death.
Speaking in his post-match interview after picking up the man of the match award, Grealish was in a noticeably quieter mood than his usual charismatic self before revealing that the day marked the 25th anniversary of his younger sibling’s death.
Jack Grealish dedicates his goal to his late brother on the 25th anniversary of his death ❤️ pic.twitter.com/u3toaqZSuR
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 2, 2025
The 29-year-old went on to reveal that the date coincided with Keelan’s passing and acknowledged that it’s “hard on the family but [I’m] happy to score”.
His mum and dad, Karen and Kevin, were up in the stands; it doesn’t need explaining why scoring in that particular moment was so special for all of them.
Clearly stirred by addressing what was a bittersweet occasion, he signed off by adding, “To score and to win was brilliant.”
Keelan Daniel Grealish was just nine months old when he tragically passed away from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) back in 2000 – ‘Super Jack’ was just four at the time.
Paying tribute on social media after the game, the comments below his post were filled with love and support.
Besides the goal itself, the former Aston Villa star was keen to reiterate that he was never brought to the club to score bags of goals and “has a lot more to offer” than just hitting the back of the net.
Touching on his Grealish’s game and the tribute to Keelan during his post-match duties, manager Pep Guardiola went on to add: “Jack is an incredible human being; in terms of gestures and for the other people, he’s incredibly generous.
“I didn’t know that [it was the anniversary of his brother’s death]. I can’t imagine how tough it could be for mum, dad, sister, and all the family. It’s good on this day to remember him, I’m pretty sure they remember every single day.”
A lovely moment from a much-loved character around the Eithad Stadium as well as up and down the country. Rest in peace, Keelan.
You can watch the highlights from the game down below:
Three more points on the board for City and a big moment for the Brummy-born midfielder.
Featured Images — Sky Sports (screenshots via YouTube)
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Marc Skinner signs new contract to keep him at Manchester United until 2027
Danny Jones
Manchester United Women manager Marc Skinner has signed off on a new deal with the Red Devils, accepting a contract that will see him stay at the club until at least 2027.
Approaching half a decade in charge of Man United’s women’s team, Marc Skinner has now committed his future to the side which helped the club to a historic male and female FA Cup double and qualified for Champions League for the first time.
Confirmed via social media on Wednesday, 2 April, the club shared the news that the 42-year-old has put pen to paper on a new two-year contract with an option to extend for a further 12 months.
His side is also currently third in the WSL, and although Chelsea remain the perennial favourites, they are continuing to push harder for the title each season following their second-placed finish in 22/23.
Speaking on the new deal, Brummy-born Skinner wrote: “It has been an absolute privilege to serve as head coach for this fantastic football club for the past four years, and I am delighted to be extending my time in the role for at least a further two years.
“We’re building a young, hungry team with the aim of challenging consistently for further trophies. There is still more hard work ahead, including this season, but the players and staff have already shown their determination to succeed, and I’m looking forward to us taking the next steps in our journey together.”
The former Birmingham and Orlando Pride head coach has been a somewhat divisive figure around Leigh Sports Village and Old Trafford during his tenure in recent years, with some vocal supporters even calling ‘Skinner Out’ last year.
He was ultimately kept on following the 4-0 thrashing of Spurs in the Women’s FA Cup, but many fans are still unhappy with the amount of progress made under him.
In addition to a lack of silverware throughout his time in charge, with many criticising his tactics, star talents like Alessia Russo, Mary Earps, Nikita Parris, Lucía Garcíaand captain Katie Zelem have all departed during this time. Others just haven’t felt the same since Casey Stoney left back in 2021.
Even gave him a photoshoot. Right wrong on not a significant part of the fan base hates Marc skinner. It’s tone deaf to assume we all celebrate on socials. I would turn the comments off tbh. https://t.co/VIarfUAkoJ
Nevertheless, Marc Skinner is staying for the immediate future, and there are still plenty who back him and the work he’s done, or at least the direction he is looking to go in.
Speaking on the extension, United‘s technical director Jason Wilcox said: “Marc’s record since taking charge speaks for itself, having delivered our first major women’s silverware and firmly established us among the leading teams in the WSL.
“After a major overhaul last summer, we have an exciting, developing squad ready to compete for further success, and we are convinced that Marc is the right coach to lead that process.”
COO Collette Roche went on to insist that “building a successful and popular women’s team is an important part of our wider, football-first strategy for the club” and that they hope Skinner will continue to contribute in placing “Manchester United at the forefront of growth in the women’s game.”
Danny Jones -
4th January 2024 
