Sport

Luke Littler hits rousing nine-darter to win Premier League Darts title in debut season

You won't find a more confident player in the world right now.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 24th May 2024

Luke Littler has done it: the teenage darting sensation has won his first-ever Premier League Darts title, and in his debut season no less, following a stunning final in London that featured a rabble-rousing nine-darter.

Still just 17, the Warrington-born sports star has been pretty much in control of the league all year, going into the final night at The O2 sitting in the top spot, with the most legs and matches won to give him a decent enough points cushion.

However, it was a familiar foe in his way as Luke Humphries, the man who stopped Littler from lifting the World Darts Championship on debut, came into the final boasting the same amount of nights won and just a few points shy of his fellow Luke.

But what better way to bury those demons than by hitting a nine-darter in the final to send 14,000 fans into absolute bedlam?

While the youngster might have given somewhat of a muted reaction given the gravity of the throw, the limbs inside the iconic venue were plain to see.

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Perhaps it’s because we’ve seen so many similar visits to the oche already in his career that it might not be as unbelievable to him but, regardless, to do that in the final is some feat – in fact, he became the first player to do so since darts legend Phil Taylor back in 2010.

There was nothing but admiration from his opponent too, with Humphries applauding and embracing the teenager who has quickly become his biggest and most competitive rival, not to mention an inspiration for a whole new generation of darts players.

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Here’s another look at the limbs in London for good measure:

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The impressive 11th leg proved to be decisive for Littler as well, with both players pushing each other throughout the entire match, but you won’t find many better catalysts for a victory than a nine-darter on the biggest stage.

Visibly more chuffed and celebratory after he got his hands on the trophy, he was quick to call out “the doubters” and since he’s a massive Man United fan too, depending on the FA Cup final result, he could be about to have a very, very good weekend.

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You can watch the moment he secured his debut title below. Congrats again, Luke; there’s certainly no one questioning whether you’re ready for Premier League Darts now – not even a Littler…

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Featured Images — PDC/Sky Sports (via Screenshot)

Sport

Manchester United set to make up to 250 staff redundant in cost-cutting move

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Manchester United is set to make up to 250 staff redundant in a bid to cut costs, it is being reported.

Following on from Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his company INEOS’s completed purchase of a 27.7% stake in the Premier League club for a whopping £1.25 billion back in February, and his taking charge of football operations alongside it as part of the agreement, the Manchester-born billionaire has been reviewing the current running of the club ever since.

Most notably, Ratcliffe commissioned a cost review ahead of the 2024/25 football season, as his team not only moved to shake things up on the pitch, but also behind the scenes at Manchester United as a whole.

And now, it’s being widely reported by reputable sources such as Sky Sports News, BBC Sport, The Athletic, and more, that interim Chief Executive, Jean-Claude Blanc, informed staff yesterday lunchtime (3 July) that the club intends to make a wave of redundancies.

Manchester United is set to make up to 250 staff redundant / Credit: Javid Naderi | Mags (via Unsplash)

Sources at Old Trafford have indicated that the club will now follow a formal process to propose such redundancies.

Believed to be a decision that has not been taken lightly, the club will begin to consult with staff across all departments and levels – with the exception of the Manchester United Foundation, according to Sky News.

According to sources, the decision to propose redundancies was finally reached upon following several other alternatives being considered beforehand, but these would apparently have only had a short-term impact, and were therefore deemed unsuitable, given that the long-term goal is to return United back to success in the future.

It’s part of new co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s, wider cost-cutting mission at the club / Credit: INEOS

The proposed redundancies also align with the Premier League’s new financial regulations.

And, as United’s costs have risen year-on-year, it’s now also understood that the size and shape of the club “structurally” does not reflect the its current performance.

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Because of this, club sources believe United now has more people than needed, and so, a reduction in employee headcount and costs is required.

Featured Image – Manchester United (via X | Michael Regan / Getty)

Sport

AO announced as new front-of-shirt sponsor for Altrincham FC

Danny Jones Danny Jones AO confirmed as Altrincham FC's new front of shirt sponsor

In another big step forward for non-league Altrincham FC, local electric retailer AO has been unveiled as their new front-of-shirt sponsor.

As the Greater Manchester club continues in its bid to become a bigger sporting entity and one of the fastest-growing football teams in the region, AO being announced as the new official sponsor of Altrincham FC kits for the upcoming season onwards is a big step.

The Bolton-based brand is recognisable throughout the UK and lends its name to Manchester’s iconic arena, so to get them on the front of their 24/25 strip is a landmark moment for the resurgent side, who will debut the new look this weekend.

Confirming the announcement via social media on Tuesday, 2 July, the club confirmed that AO will replace the J. Davidson logo after 13 years, though the Alty scrap company will remain as the club’s long-serving stadium sponsor.

Being splashed front and centre on the new Altrincham FC strips also marks AO’s fourth North West sponsorship alongside the self-titled AO Arena, this year’s Netball Super League Grand Finalists Manchester Thunder, Bolton Lads and Girls Club as well as Lancashire County Cricket Club.

The partnership will see the distinctive AO smile logo feature on the front of the National League team’s home and away shirts as part of a multi-year agreement.

Alty’s new home shirt will be debuted in their pre-season fixture against Colne this Saturday, 6 July and the away version is set to be worn for the first time next week.

However, the club have now given their fans a first glimpse at the latter:

Looking good.

The new shirt sponsor also comes not long after they received sizeable investment for a club of their size as a number of local individuals and organisations decided to back The Robins.

Last season was one of the most successful in the club’s history, reaching the playoffs and falling just two games shy of securing promotion to the EFL for the first time ever, ultimately missing out in the semi-finals to League Two debutants, Bromley FC.

It’s an exciting time for the town and their football club.

Altrincham FC receive £1.5m cash injection as 20 new investors back the club

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Sam Mackenzie, Chief Executive at Altrincham FC, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with such a dynamic and thriving company as AO. Their values and outlook align closely with ours, making this partnership a perfect fit.

“The longevity and commitment from both sides in this partnership will mirror the successful ongoing relationship we have with J. Davidson. We deeply appreciate J. Davidson’s invaluable contribution and thank them for their continued support as we enter this exciting new partnership.

“The AO partnership is a significant development for the club, particularly in terms of the activation and outreach it will bring. As a national brand with a strong presence, AO will help us grow. Their culture is something I hugely admire – their team have been wonderful to deal with and work alongside.”

As for AO, Group Marketing Director Vicky Monky expressed a palpable buzz about teaming up with the club during such an “exciting time in their history” as they continue to consolidate as a full-time professional outfit. It’s not the only eye-catching collaboration they’ve announced recently either.

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Featured Images — AO (supplied)/Michael Ripley (via Flickr)

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