Cross reveals he almost walked away from darts

ROB CROSS admits his inner circle stopped him from walking away from darts during the toughest periods of his career.

The world No24 has been backed by Target Darts since bursting onto the scene with his 2018 World Championship triumph and forged a close friendship with owner Gary Plummer.

Cross, 35, says manager Rab Bain has become like a “father figure” to him, providing guidance both on and off the oche throughout his career.

Voltage revealed the pair have helped him through struggles with his mental health, tax situation and the break-up of his marriage.

He told Oche180: “Gary [Plummer] and Rab [Bain] I have known the longest. Gary I have known pretty much six months of being a professional.

“He has been everywhere with me. We have a great life and I talk to him a lot. He is a great support and friend in life.

“Not only does he sell me stuff and look, he has got the best darts manufacturing company out there.

“He is also a really good friend. Rab is like a father to me. I think over the years I have had a lot of things and I am only human.

“You do a lot of things wrong. They are always around me and supporting me, whether it be my mental health or tax situation.

“Or even the break-up, it is very important to have these people in your life. People that care about me.

“It’s not just about darts with them boys. They will legitimately phone me up and just ask how I am.

“That is nice. It is not always about darts. But to just have that phone call or chat has been a massive help in my life.

Cross also highlighted the influence of Josh Rock and Scott Williams, who are part of the same set-up and help keep him driven on the PDC circuit.

He added: “Having Josh [Rock] and Scotty [Williams], all great players, keeps me motivated on tour. It is a really good combination of people.

“Gary and Rab have done the most for me because I have known them the longest. I am really appreciative.

“I think at times maybe it would have been a little bit different. Maybe I would have had a little bit more time out of the game and not carried on.”

Words: Aaron Nijjar

Image: Taylor Lanning