Taylor explains huge difference between himself and Littler

PHIL TAYLOR admits he was “always about the money” when he started playing darts as he revealed the huge difference between himself and Luke Littler.

The 16-time-world champion had three jobs, a mortgage and a young family to support when he first began his rise in the sport.

Littler, 19, meanwhile, has become the first £3million man in darts before even reaching his 20th birthday.

The teen sensation has also mopped up 14 major titles and needs to win just the European Championship next month to complete the full set.

Taylor believes The Nuke is driven by trophies and breaking records after his remarkable rise.

He told SunSport: “Luke is very laid-back and quiet. When he’s been with me, he’s been very quiet. I was with him this week. He is very talented and just very naturally talented. Nothing fazes him.

“But the one attribute he’s got for me, he isn’t bothered about the money. The money’s a bonus for him. I was always about the money when I first started because I had children and I had a mortgage to pay.

“Even though it (the mortgage) was only 20 quid a month, that was like a fortune for me. So once I got the money, then I could play with freedom of mind. I wasn’t playing for money anymore.”

Former world No1 Taylor is widely regarded as one of the greatest players to ever grace the oche, having lifted 87 TV titles during a career spanning more than three decades.

But his route to the top was a far cry from the riches enjoyed by today’s stars, with Taylor working around the clock in his early days to make ends meet.

He added: “My first house was a terraced house, similar to what you see on Coronation Street. And it was £7,500.

“And I thought ‘what have I done? Why did I sign for that?’ I thought ‘oh no, I’ve got a mortgage.’ So then you’ve got to get out and work.

“I had three jobs at the time. I was working on a factory, then I was repairing cars, and then I worked behind a bar.

“Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. For four days behind a bar, it was 22 quid. So that was the mortgage paid for.

“But that makes you dedicated. I was very, very, very dedicated. The reason being was I wanted to earn a living and look after my family.”

Words: Aaron Nijjar

Image: Taylor Lanning