The England National Football side - Billionaires, FA negligence and Negative tactics

It's no secret that the England national football side has been uninspiring for some time now. The inventors of the beautiful game have been left behind at international level since the 1990s. At least during that decade English football fans could point to a team playing passionate high tempo football at international tournaments, who were defeated by strong international sides and old enemies, Germany (1990 and 1996) and Argentina (1998). These losses happened on penalties on all three occasions. Waddle and Pearce, Southgate, and Ince and Batty the stand out misses which resonate through time. But passion was clear, blood, sweat and tears apparent, as were dubious refereeing decisions, and disallowed goals, but there was always effort to the end. Premier League sides were also filled with British players, and owned by British people. Foreigners did play, but the English league was primarily an English league rather than the international franchise that is now the Premier League.

Since that period the "golden generation" promised much, but under Sven's guidance failed to produce more than a hapless quarter final defeat at the hands of Brazil. Ronaldinho's magic/fluke or Seaman's weakness has always been one for discussion - but ultimately Seaman relived Nayim from the halfway line all over again, and England went home with little more than a whimper. With Owen, Beckham, Scholes, Ferdinand, Campbell, Gerrard, Lampard and Cole fans can only be left disappointed that England did not at least grace the semi finals of a major tournament during that time. Sol Campbell will also be disappointed that in 1998 vs Argentina and 2004 vs Portugal he suffered the same fate by seeing a winning goal disallowed at an international tournament.

On paper the England team facing Brazil looks relatively strong and there are notable absentees such as Ashley Cole, John Terry, Steven Gerrard and Jack Wilshere who would arguably strengthen the starting XI. Others, like Peter Crouch and Kyle Walker may feel a little aggrieved to not feature as much as they possibly should under Hodgson's reign.

England team away to Brazil - 2nd June 2013

                  Rooney
Milner                           Walcott
       Lampard Carrick Jones
Baines Jagielka Cahill Johnson
                    Hart

Whilst all England managers can point to key players missing at major tournaments, qualification and for friendlies - players appetite to play often seems to lack, even from the squads peripheral players or up and coming stars who should have a point to prove. We have seen club coaches such as Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger have disagreements with various England coaches and key English club players go missing from squads with mysterious injuries or illnesses. Indeed some have even retired from international football to concentrate on their club. Dreams of representing your nation must diminish once the first million is in the bank account. I can't prove that - but I'm sure enduring fans will agree. Beckham was always the exception to this perception.

To counter this, fans at least want to see passion displayed in the team, one-hundred percent effort, and negative tactics binned. Robson and Venables attacked, whilst finding a good balance to their sides, whilst Hoddle found his own system which worked well and saw an impressive World Cup qualification and unlucky loss to Argentina at World Cup 98. Sven was steady but rarely took a chance and could be accused of not having a plan B. This resulted in a few "could possibly have" moments at major tournaments.

I'd just allow Sven to escape this group, but we've seen a number of wet blankets or uninspiring figures in charge also. Graham "The Turnip" Taylor and Steve "The wally with the brolly" McClaren were maybe the wettest coaches, whilst Fabio Capello did not bring the style one would like to see in an England football side. Although effective, the Italian way has never been the most attractive football to watch. Serie A on channel 4 in the 1990s was often rather dull, and watched only to catch a glimpse of football superstars, and the English exports. Capello always seemed to have a "do not lose" ethos and would prefer a workman-like 1-0 win away to Moldova, where something like a 3-1 or 4-2 victory could have been achieved with a different approach. Sometimes you have to back yourself as being a better team but unfortunately the treading on eggshells, do not lose approach continues with Roy Hodgson. At club level, Hodgson has failed to impress whenever he has been dealing with elite players. England does still have elite players, important at top Premier League clubs competing for European silverware but Hodgson plays them in a way reflective of his time in charge of Liverpool, or how one would expect a mid-table side to set up. England has turned into Fulham.

Harry Redknapp was the peoples choice to take over as England coach. Whilst I didn't necessarily agree that Harry would save England, his teams do play a more attacking and upbeat tempo of football more likely to please fans, even when losing. Like Sven, Redknapp can be criticised for his lack of a plan B and Tottenham Hotspur fans might agree, however, Hodgson's appointment was jaw-droppingly bad for many when it was announced. It's true that previously the FA has listened to the fans and appointed the peoples choice. After Hoddle left England for non-football related reasons Kevin Keegan was appointed and failed to deal with the hype and expectation. He ultimately left the the job with a dented reputation. But that was 15 years ago, and few choices of the FA have even flirted with success since.

Watching England play in Brazil this evening, I'm looking at a formation containing two defensive midfielders and a lonely centre forward. Any support Rooney is meant to have is uninspiring or lacking conviction. I'm also thinking that Joe Hart was the standout player during the first half which points towards a negative approach. Rooney has been left alone up top far too often, whilst passes up to him have been sloppy when attempted too soon, or support is non-existent. Walcott has lacked conviction in the main when playing for England. Actually some Arsenal fans have suggested that since signing a new deal, he's lacked a lot more than just conviction. Before signing that deal he was impressive - what's changed? I'm digressing. The short of it is that under Roy Hodgson the England team will not improve. They will simply plod along, scraping qualification to major tournaments in groups containing Montenegro and other Balkan states - or being at risk to make it at all. Currently they are at risk. England performed better in the second half against Brazil, but we witnessed celebrations from the coaching set up akin to a goal in the World Cup when Rooney curled his effort in to make it 2-1. Brazil equalised with little effort shortly after. The game ended 2-2. Maybe for England a trashing at the hands of Brazil would have helped more. Instead Hodgson will plod on.

I'm not blaming Roy Hodgson, Fabio Capello or even Steve McClaren. The FA have put the wrong man in charge on several occasions now, seemingly not learning from their mistakes. A safe option, and football mediocrity seem to be preferred. Alongside this, the growth of the Premier League bringing with it the foreign invasion of both players and investors is clearly hurting the England national side. In fact it's almost like a disease. A playground for billionaires and mercenaries picking up scandalous salaries, even when warming the bench. Other nations have seen problems at international level, and have worked to counteract this. In other sports like Cricket, central contracts revolutionised the England set up and clearly focused cricket on the international game. I'm not suggesting central contracts in football, but do feel that international football should be valued as the pinnacle of the game like it is elsewhere in the world. The Premier League have sold out to the highest bidder and turned itself into a world league. England then does not fit into that plan, and the Premier League may as well invite Barcelona, PSG, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich to join.

Germany have really worked on youth over the past decade, whilst Spanish football has seen great success recently with streams of talented Spanish players filling their club teams from bottom to top of La Liga. A lot of this comes from the way they play the game, their ethos, but also the passion shown when wearing the shirt. Both are reaping the rewards and are where a football and economic power like England should strive to go beyond. In England we have seen elevation of youth recently, and notably the U21 Premier League is really taking off. I believe that we will see more British players in the starting XI of top Premier League clubs within the next 3-5 years because of this, however, with coaches like Roy Hodgson in charge of England instead of more positive options how can England ever wish to emulate and surpass Spain and Germany? Only more of a focus on the international game, and willingness to play in a more aggressive manner will see a change of fortune. Otherwise we'd best call ourselves Denmark, Sweden or even Scotland. Success will be qualifying for a major tournament. Square pegs will continue to be forced into round holes. The FA will continue to live up to the sweet FA moniker.

The Everton Job

Managers in the Premier League particularly, and football in general are an endangered species - but one that can come back from the dead. Each season we see a merry-go-round of managers (and their coaching staff), Arry from Spurs to QPR, AVB from Chelsea to Spurs and Mark Hughes into the football wilderness. This season Sir Alex Ferguson is the catalyst for change, but not at Man Utd. Everton is the club in the media right now and below I discuss the main contenders for the job.

David Moyes, a great success at cash strapped Everton, has the daunting task of stepping into the shoes of Sir Alex. They're very big shoes and the football WORLD will be watching - which no disrespect to Evertonians, will be a huge change for Moyes. Despite having the best team in the Premier League and probably one of the top six teams in Europe under his guidance, following Fergie may be the hardest job in football. Moyes will no longer operate in the football shadows at Everton, but in the spotlight at Old Trafford. The football microscope will be positioned on Moyes, so expect the twice-weekly run down on MOTD, and criticism in the newspapers. Yanited expect the title and always feel they are in contention for the Champions League too. Paul Scholes second retirement, Ryan Giggs nearing his own football extinction and Rio Ferdinand also not far behind will accentuate the toughness of the task. Replacements are required and a raid on Everton must be expected, but Moyes will have riches he's never had before and the appeal Man Utd brings with it to attract talent he never had the chance of attracting to Everton. Interesting times and one to keep an eye on (alongside the football world). Chelsea, Man City and Arsenal have the best chance they've had for a few seasons to knock Man Utd down the table - but that's for another blog.

What of Everton? Apart from being managerless the Toffees do have an exceptional squad of players. Season after season under Moyes they have been able to compete with big spending Liverpool and Tottenham, on occasions bettering the league positions of such rivals on only a shoe string budget. The shoe string budget they have could hold them back after Moyes exit - coaches may think more than twice about trying to follow in his footsteps. Moyes record is more than impressive, and only if Man Utd raid Everton for two or three players will an incoming manager have his own "significant" funds to build his team anything like quickly. Evertonians should try to be patient whatever unfolds. A new coach will have done remarkably to match Moyes, let alone exceed his achievements. If cash does materialise from the sale of players, the gaps left will also need to be filled, and other selling clubs may add a million or two to the valuations of Everton targets. They will be top ten in 13/14 I have no doubt, but maybe top six or higher can only come in 14/15 or later. Consolidation must be in any Everton fans mind. They can't immediately expect to upset the top 5 clubs who are all likely to strengthen their squads further in the Summer.

The contenders for the Everton post seem to be the recently relegated Wigan coach Roberto Martinez, the impressive newcomer Michael Laudrup (at least in the premier league) and the latest entry into the race, German Ralf Rangnick. Evertonians may have breathed a sigh of relief when Mark Hughes joined Stoke.

Roberto Martinez is held in high esteem due to his previous exploits with Swansea and the attractive style of football he has left as a legacy at that club, and now at Wigan. Doubters point to Swansea surpassing Wigan under Brendan Rogers now of Liverpool, and current coach Michael Laudrup also bettering Martinez. Any critic of Martinez also need only point to Wigan's Championship status. Despite a magnificent FA Cup win this season, ultimately hot property and the Premier League's man of the moment, Martinez, took a team of eight premier league seasons into the dog fight that is the Championship. Much bigger clubs than Wigan are yet to return. Leeds, Forest, Wednesday, Wolves all struggle each season to find a way back to the big time. Everton do have more quality than Wigan, so relegation wouldn't be a fear. Martinez could also take the outstanding Wigan performers to Everton too. McManaman, Kone and Maloney will play in the Premier League in 2013/14 and Everton attract them with Martinez at the helm.

Laudrup is seen as more of an outsider but must have good stock at any team looking to attract a young manager working towards great things. So far he has an impressive CV, with relative success at Getafe and recently at crisis club Mallorca and the League Cup this year with Swansea. Attractive football has been a trademark each time. With Michu he also made the signing of the season, and brought in some other exceptional bargains from La Liga. Everton could benefit from Laudrup's style and eye for talent in the transfer window, as Swansea have. Michu will be on a few wishlists no doubt. I'd see Everton as the next step for Laudrup, and despite noting him as an outsider I would not be surprised to see him make the move. If he achieves half as much as a coach as he was able to as a player, clubs should be scrambling for his services. Maybe Martinez would then fit back at Swansea. Let us not rule that out!

Ralf Rangnick is known in Germany as a professor of the game. With Schalke he managed a Champions League semi final but suffered with his health (exhaustion) which took him out of the game as a coach. Management since has only come at third-league Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg in Austria.

A football-specialist, and an intellectual and wise-man, despite his not tremendous age, he has been a success at Schalke and was able to elevate unfashionable and almost unknown Hoffenheim from league-3 to the Bundesliga. Indeed they flirted with Champions League qualification when they made it to Germany's top flight. His football mind, work ethic and success at unfashionable clubs might just see him end up at Everton and halt the possible premier league merry-go-round. Indeed Rangnick wasn't far from becoming Joachim Low just a few seasons ago. The almost Germany coach has a fair reputation behind him and might fit the mould.

Celtic's Neil Lennon, Gus Poyet of Brighton, Mackay of Cardiff and Porto's Pereira are also in with a shout according to the bookies. With Lennon unchallenged in Scotland until Rangers return to the SPL and unfancied by the fans, Poyet's stock falling after a lack of plan B in the playoffs, Mackay now in the Premier League with Cardiff and Periera with a great opportunity to push on in Europe with Porto, none offer as much likelihood as Martinez, Laudrup and Rangnick in my humble opinion.

Check This Out

I recently ordered a new set of darts which arrived today. I don't usually look at all of the packaging, but the back came apart as I opened it and out dropped a 'Checkout Table'. I gave it a glimpse and was a little surprised that a reputable darts manufacturer would mathematically get something right - but actually get the table very wrong.

With three darts in your hand, and an opponent in close proximity threatening to steal the leg - having a chance with dart number three must be in every players mind. As a 'dartist' you must aim to give yourself as big an opportunity as possible and so common sense is to throw at a treble where if you only hit the 'big number' you are still alive with dart number two. It's likely that you will have a tough do or die dart at a treble to leave a finish but better this, than using darts two and three to set up a shot you might never have. A.N.Opponent is sitting on Shanghai after all, and fancying a dart at double top.

The 3 DART FINISHES Table
123 = T20+T13+D12
121 = T19+14+BULL
119 = T20+19+D20

Based on the paragraph above, what error can you see in the table? You might say, that yes 123-60-39-24=0, that 121-57-14-50=0 and 119-60-19-40 also equals zero, and so mathematically the table is correct, but miss the first treble on either of the three checkouts listed above and dart number two becomes purely a set-up dart.

So let us think logically about this. What should the table look like?

'Stayin' Alive' 3 DART FINISHES Table
123 = T19+16+BULL
121 = T20+11+BULL
119 = T19+12+BULL

Dart number two is key in this argument. Let us now break down what happens if you miss the treble in both scenarios.

Comparison
3 DART FINISHES Table
123 = Miss T20 but hit 20, 103 required. No finish with two darts.
121 = Miss T19 but hit 19, 102 required. No finish with two darts.
119 = Miss T20 but hit 20, 99 required. No finish with two darts.
'Stayin' Alive' Table
123 = miss T19 but hit 19, 104 required. With two darts in hand, T18 and BULL is still on.
121 = miss T20 but hit 20, 101 required. With two darts in hand, T17 and BULL is still on.
119 = miss T19 but hit 19, 100 required. With two darts in hand, T20 and D20 is still on.

Now obviously we might stray into small numbers, which adds to my point. Whilst my advice is not bullet proof because of human error, it will give the novice to professional much more of an opportunity to use all three darts and win legs. Next time you watch darts on TV see what players throw at when at 170 or under with three darts in hand, when their opponent is applying pressure. Chances are that you will never see them throw at the three finishes I've picked out that are recommended in the 3 DARTS FINISHES Table. Only in a situation where the opponent is out of checkout range would a top player consider those finishes.

When practising I can only urge you to think logically. I'm sure that I once read that Bobby George memorised checkouts at the start of his career. I would argue that checking out is the most important part of the game, especially when we witness the high scoring but at times poor finishing of a world class player like Gary Anderson. As Bobby would say, "trebles for show, doubles for dough".

Please make sure that you give yourself a chance to hit the double!

PDC Darts 2013 Premier League: The Main Contenders

Being in the business end of the PDC World Championships and with the Premier League season just around the corner below I have listed the main contenders for a spot in the Premier League. Forgive me for skimming over those that are all but guaranteed, the argument for those on the fringe and in with an outside chance is far more interesting.

The 'stacked' Quarter Finals line-up had me suggesting earlier on twitter (https://twitter.com/TheSportsDean) that there would be few arguments should the PDC decide to give all eight quarter finalists a spot in the Premier League this year. However other things always have to be taken into account, including previous tournament performances, and I would suggest who the audiences want to see or would be entertained by. Previous installments of the Premier League have seen Klaasen and Mardle given spots I would suggest more for entertainment reasons, whilst Painter famously jumped the queue after his 2011 Players Championships Finals victory.

The Criteria:

• The Top Four players in the PDC Order of Merit (OOM).

• Four Wildcard picks.

PDC OOM
Taken from www.dartsdatabase.co.uk on 28th December (inc. 2013 earning pre-Quarter Finals)

1    Phil Taylor    England    +£581,100
2    Adrian Lewis    England    +£359,100
3    James Wade    England    +£310,500
4    Simon Whitlock    Australia    +£274,000
5    Michael van Gerwen    Holland    +£249,300
6    Andy Hamilton    England    +£242,500
7    Wes Newton    England    +£237,400
8    Dave Chisnall    England    £185,000
9    Justin Pipe    England    £184,400
10    Raymond van Barneveld    Holland    +£168,800
11    Gary Anderson    Scotland    £160,700
12    Kevin Painter    England    £155,200
13    Mervyn King    England    £150,300
14    Paul Nicholson    Australia    £143,900
15    Robert Thornton    Scotland    £141,200
16    Terry Jenkins    England    £140,700

Above I have listed the projected PDC top 16 after the World Championships.  This list shows some players that could be described as certainties, some that are almost there, two guaranteed wildcards and a number of fringe players. Some fringe possibilities also sit outside of this list and in some cases the organisation.

Lets discuss the four certainties. Amazingly this isn't based on the current top 4 of the PDC OOM, but those who will not drop out, plus the two form/must watch players.

Guarantee #1 Phil Taylor. Simply as long as he's playing he will have a wildcard at the very least. He is still 'The Man' however, and sits at no.1 in the world. Taylor's in - no doubt about it.

Guarantee #2 Adrian Lewis. Fifteen consecutive victories at Ally Pally and 2011 & 2012 World Champion. Not a form player by any means, but one World title in the last two calendar years gives a player enough of a cushion to make the top 4 in the order of merit. Lewis is in, and who is to say with his recent Ally Pally record that it won't be as 2013 World Champion too.

Guarantee #3 Michael van Gerwen. One of the form players, and maybe the man everyone wants to see right now. World Grand Prix Champion, Grand Slam of Darts Runner Up, numerous victories on the Pro Tour this year - MVG has a wildcard spot. That's a certainty!

Guarantee #4 Raymond van Barneveld. It's been debatable over the last few years. Should 'Barney' get a spot? This year it most certainly not. The 2012 Grand Slam of Darts ended a five year singles title drought, his confidence and form is there for everyone to see. When he saw the draw he thought it would be difficult... for his opponents. Barney's guaranteed a spot.

Who is pretty much there?

#5 Is James Wade. He sits at no.3 in the PDC OOM. Surprisingly some may say, but as ever Wade does the job quietly and has remained at no.3 almost unchallenged. Unless a combination of Hamilton and MVG/Newton come make it through to the final/win the tournament, then Wade is safe in the top 4. Needless to say, should he drop to five, previously that's also been enough to earn a wildcard spot.

#6 Is Simon Whitlock. Also occupying an automatic spot, sitting at no.4 in the PDC OOM no one would argue against Whitlock. A two times World Finalist and winner of the European Championship in 2012, even with a tough game in the quarter finals versus 'Barney' few would argue against the Beard to be Feared getting a Premier League spot. Top four looks likely, a wildcard would surely be guaranteed should he drop out of the automatic spots.

This leaves two spots -and I've listed the contenders below:

Firstly let me dismiss a few players who may (or may not) get a mention; but in my opinion have almost no chance.

Mark Webster may have the British representative argument on his side, and has a good resume. Former BDO World Champion and Premier League participant, and very close already to claiming a PDC major (Players Championships Finals 2011) however 2012 hasn't been a good year. Webster won't make it.

Equally Terry Jenkins, whilst showing a game on occasions that would frighten most of the top stars, is falling down the rankings and not doing it as consistently as his seven major finals runner up spots would suggest he would. The 'Raging Bull' needs to find something in 2013 to reignite his challenge for major titles, and for that reason he won't be considered.

Justin Pipe is the projected no.9 in the World (but with RVB breathing down his neck) and has had a great two years or so, but despite his obvious ability is not one that catches the eye. Unfortunately his slow style has made a few breath a sigh of relief that Mark Walsh ended his Premier League challenge. Only an automatic spot will seemingly ever get 'The Force' into the elite Premier League tournament.

I won't completely dismiss Paul Nicholson as he is very entertaining to watch, and I believe would bring something to the Premier League. However a less than successful 2012 surely rules him out. Personally I wouldn't mind him being given a spot though - but that's a personal preference.

So, the contenders for the final two spots in no particular order:

Gary Anderson may have done himself out of an automatic spot after a toothless defeat to 'Barney', however his big scoring, dare I say nationality (with big crowds North of the border) and previous Premier League win does see Anderson as a true contender for one of the remaining two spots. However it is completely out of his hands, and Hamilton and Newton for example could completely rule him out with runs to the final.

Robert Thornton ticks the North of the border criteria like Anderson, however he could argue that the 'Painter' spot means that he is a far more likely candidate for the final position. Thornton is a two time major winner now, having won the 2012 UK Open and previously winning the World Masters tournament in the BDO, which suggests that Thornton is of the calibre to compete in the Premier League company. You could argue that a new Scot and fresh face could spice things up a little bit too, but for me Anderson has the edge over Thornton for his previous exploits in the Premier League.

Dave Chisnall has had a great year on the floor, and a few excellent performances in the majors since dumping 'The Power' out of the 2011 World Championships. I also have no doubt that Chisnall should be seen as a future Major winner, and has the scoring and game to entertain the crowds, however consistency has been a problem for Chisnall and a few may question whether fans will take to his lack of ability on the microphone. That said, Sky barely catch up with players if they don't need to - so it wouldn't be a problem. I feel that consistency on the TV will damage the argument for Chisnall, but personally would not be disappointed to see him in the line-up. Quality contests would be guaranteed. No one fancies playing Chisnall in my opinion.

Andy Hamilton has been the model of consistency since his amazing comeback against Simon Whitlock at last years World Matchplay. A World Championships Final Runners-Up spot last year and other good runs in the TV majors sees him highly ranked at a provisional number 6 in the World. His run to the Premier League semi finals during his 2012 debut year also makes 'The Hammer' a true contender, but like the next 'contender' Hamilton still has it in his own hands. A very tough ask with Taylor sitting in the Quarter Finals and Barney or Whitlock potential semi final opponents, but a run to the final could see Hamilton catapult himself into the automatic positions. Unlikely, but possible.

Wes Newton is another player with a strong argument for inclusion, and again one not many fans could argue against. Newton has been called a 'Major Winner in waiting' and already has close calls with UK Open and European Champion Runner-Up spots in the last two calendar years. Like Hamilton, Newton could guarantee himself a spot in the Premier League with a run to the final and other results going in his favour. I would argue that Newton finds himself in the easier side of the draw as it currently stands and is actually more likely than Hamilton to take his chance. Once again a very tough ask with Wade, and MVG/Lewis standing ahead of him - but achievable given his form over the past two years.

Dean Winstanley is my personal wildcard pick as a contender for the Premier League. Although ranked a lowly 42 in the PDC OOM compared to other contenders, in under a year 'Deano' has made a great impression in the PDC, has made several TV majors, having great runs and thrown a Nine-Dart leg during the World Championships. Deano's big scoring , coupled with his BDO resume (World Championship Runner Up) in my eyes sees him as an outsider. Although some may call it a leap of faith, I feel that 'Over The Top' would tick the entertainment and great darts boxes. For me Dean Winstanley deserves to be mentioned and is the one who has done something at the World Championships that gives him a chance.

Not to be ruled out:

The BDO World Champion.
The four spots made available in the PDC Pro Tour to Lakeside Semi-Finalists makes the Lakeside winner a viable candidate. In recent years the champion has remained with the BDO, however positive comments about the Grand Slam of Darts by some BDO players has made this something to never be ruled out. Four players would tick the box should they win it in my opinion.

Scott Waites is maybe the best known to PDC crowds due to his Grand Slam of Darts exploits. Waites has proven that he could thrive rather than just live in the PDC. Probably the 'Big Name' BDO player that could make a real impact in the Premier League and contest the top four places, should he win the Lakeside he should be one to consider.

Stephen Bunting is the form player in the BDO this year. He has already won the World Masters and Zuiderduin Masters tournaments this year. A Hat-trick of big BDO titles would fully confirm his credentials, however it would still be a leap of faith for the PDC to offer a spot to 'The Bullet' as Premier League crowds will be unfamiliar with the big Liverpudlian. Unlikely in my opinion, even with Champion vs Champion possibilities on at least two occasions during the Premier League.

Christian Kist made a solid showing in the Grand Slam of Darts in 2012. He is also the defending BDO World Champion, and clearly in with a real shout of defending his title. Two wins in two years would heighten his credentials when we discuss a Premier League Wildcard spot. For me this would have him up there as a favourite, particularly with champion vs champion nights a real possibility.

Tony O'Shea is a crowd favourite, a recognisable face and has one of, if not THE best entrance in Darts. Still highly competitive in the BDO, a transition to the elite PDC would surely round off an impressive career for the 'Silverback'. His allegiance to the WDF's version of the England team remains a roadblock to him ever switching codes, but Premier League nights would certainly benefit from the DJ Otzi treatment. Highly unlikely, but would be very entertaining.

My two picks:

Based on previous performances in the Premier League (Winner 2011) and his big scoring and potential in 2013 Gary Anderson would get a spot.

I would also take a leap of faith and give Dean Winstanley a wildcard. Contentious I'm sure, especially as others have had better years, but for me the Premier League is more about entertainment than solid performances, and for that reason the big scoring, high checkout potential, winning mentality and great personality of Winstanley would make me want to buy a ticket.

This said - if Waites or Kist wins the BDO World Title and wants in... it would be tough to take the 'leap of faith'.

Who would be your picks and why?