MASON CALLS FOR WORLD CUP DARTS MANAGERS

CHRIS MASON has called for World Cup of Darts teams to be given MANAGERS.

The ex-pro believes the introduction of football-style bosses would add a fresh dimension to the tournament, with legendary former players overseeing the world’s best pairs.

Mason even suggested 16-time world champion Phil Taylor could take charge of England, while Dutch icon Raymond van Barneveld would oversee the Netherlands.

The idea would also see managers handle media duties after matches, rather than players facing the press themselves.

Mason told The Darts Show: “I sort of came up with the idea that Raymond [van Barneveld] should be the team manager for Holland.

“Phil [Taylor] could come in and be team manager for England. I think it would be a great TV spectacle.

“You know, you don’t speak to the players, you speak to Raymond or Phil.

“They know more than anyone what it is like to win the World Cup.

“But the players would enjoy it as well, just having another mind there.”

The Power won the World Cup four times during his playing career and remains the most successful player in the history of the sport.

The Stoke-on-Trent thrower would be tasked with guiding world No1 Luke Humphries and teenage sensation Luke Littler.

Van Barneveld helped the Netherlands lift the World Cup on three occasions and remains one of the most respected figures in the sport.

The five-time world champion would oversee Michael van Gerwen and Gian van Veen’s bid for glory in Frankfurt.

But Barney joked he may struggle to take charge of his fellow Dutchman.

He said: “Do you really think Michael would listen to me?”

Image by Taylor Lanning.