By:
Keith Deller
Date:
11 May 2010
After 30 years as a player and a good decade or so working for Sky Sports I have taken on a new role recently - as manager of Adrian Lewis - and I believe I am managing a lad who will be a world champion one day.
Adie is not the finished article yet, but we are gradually ironing out a few flaws in his game and I think he is getting better by the day. People forget that Adie is only 25 years-of-age and to put that in perspective Phil Taylor was 29 when he won his first championship, and other darting greats like Raymond van Barneveld, Leighton Rees, Jocky Wilson, and John Lowe were in their thirties when they lifted darts ultimate prize. Two other legends in Bob Anderson and Dennis Priestley left it even later and were in their fourth decade when they won their titles so Adie has plenty of time yet.
The other consideration to bear in mind is that there are a lot more top quality players now on the scene now than there were back in the day. A few critics suggest that Adie has maybe underachieved thus far but they are talking rubbish. He is established as one of the top players in the game and he will get the major honours sooner rather than later mark my words.
All the best, Keith.
Permalink Tags:
By:
Keith Deller
Date:
31 May 2010
I am looking forward to Bolton where I will be on spotting duties for Sky. The work involves me sitting with the programme director and telling them where the player is likely to throw, so that the cameraman can keep up with the action. It's a job I have held for many years now and it's a great way of keeping involved with the top boys at the PDC.
I will keeping a close eye on Adrian Lewis during the competition as I am now his manager. We are disappointed at how his Premier League campaign fizzled out, but that is history now and it is all about making amends at Bolton. Adrian is raring to go and if he clicks into gear then he will be a match for anyone. I hope to see you all at the Reebok.
Cheers, Keith.
Permalink Tags:
By:
Keith Deller
Date:
05 Jun 2010
It is great to see Adrian Lewis quietly going about his business at Bolton and no one seems to be mentioning him as a potential winner - which suits us just fine. As Adrian's manager l can say that sometimes it's good to be out of the limelight and hopefully Adrian can sneak up on the rails and do some damage in this competition.
He has a very tricky game against Colin Osborne today, although if he can get through that, then his chances are as good as anyone else remaining in the competition. With Phil Taylor still in the contest he will of course be the favourite, but Adie will beat Phil sometime in a televised tournament and hopefully it will be here.
All the best, Keith.
Permalink Tags:
By:
Keith Deller
Date:
06 Jun 2010
A disappointing end for Adie Lewis at the UK Open, but certainly no shame in losing to Phil Taylor, who is on fire at the moment. I have known Phil for many years and I don't think I have seen him play as well as he is now.
Phil has been at the top for over twenty years and Adrian has at least that amount of that time in front of him. The trophies will come and Adrian will get his hands on some silverware sooner rather than later.
All the best, Keith.
Permalink Tags: