Profession darts and DartsWorld’s sixth decade kicked off in superb, but not revolutionary style with one of the game’s most colourful characters, Peter Wright, claiming it’s most sought after title.
The DW team were quick to spot a link, in our February 2020 issue (DW566) between the most recent crop of champions and how it tied in to both previous decision and the future of the game:
With the crowning of Peter Wright, earlier this month, Red Dragon put the icing on their cake. Over the past decade they have developed a model and put together a group of players that rival anything seen previously. It results in world champions!
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Wayne Warren lifting the BDO World Professional Championship gives the Bridgend-based company a unique trio of world champions.
With “Snakebite” already holding the PDC crown and Luke Humphries capturing the PDC World Youth title, it’s been a bumper few weeks. It may also make a l the difference in the annual manufacturer rankings!
The Red Dragon model is not overly complex. They select their players carefully, work with them closely and stick with them for the long run.
A Celtic Flavour:
Success begins at home with Red Dragon having a very good base of Welsh talent, but with Scots and more added! In addition, to Warren, Red Dragon have Gerwyn Price, Johnny Clayton, Jamie Lewis and Barrie Bates, all from their home pricipality of Wales.
In addition, they boast a clutch of Scotsmen led by Robert Thornton and backed up by John Henderson and Ross Montgomery. Previous players include former world champion Richie Burnett. If you know sport you will understand that the Celtic passions work well in harness with sporting talent.
Multi Generational:
Jamie Lewis seems to have spent his whole life under the wing of Red Dragon, and like a l manufacturers they have been keen to find and nurture young talent. They were the first sponsor for Adam Smith Neale and have supported Jamie Lewis through thick and thin. But Red Dragon are not in thrall to youth.
During the last decade they took considered risks on older, seasoned players who were coming on strong. Mark Hylton, Ian White and indeed, Wayne Warren were all in their 40s or older when they were first signed up.
Choose Wisely:
Initial signing decisions are a combination of analysis, external reports, observation and consultation. There is no fixed recipe for pursuing, or signing, a player but a number of differing factors can influence a decision. A good network of informative and reliable sources, very good data, and carefully honed instincts all play a part.
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Back Your Decisions:
Those who make the decisions at Red Dragon seem to stick with them and are not afraid to throw the rule book out of the window if it may help a player or kickstart a relationship. The Peter Wright story, and ever changing equipment, might have driven some companies over the edge. Instead, Red Dragon invented a totally new model for Peter and his sponsorship.
John Henderson has had ups and downs and injury, Gerwyn Price publicised disciplinary issues, and Luke Humphries documented mental health concerns. Yet all are still with Red Dragon and have had multiple deals often renewed during tough times as well as good. This approach seems to allow players time and space to flourish at their own pace or to adapt to new circumstances.
‘We’re so lucky to have these great
Simon Hall, Red Dragon.
players out there fighting to win,
and carrying the Red Dragon name’
Patience:
Red Dragon are not the sort who sign a player as soon as he or she does anything of note and then reject them if they don’t hit that high spot again instantly. They take advice and are prepared to move earlier at times and be more long term in their thinking.
Occasionally they’ve missed out rather than make an error. A good example is David Evans. “Stretch” is a fine player with huge potential. Several Red Dragon sources pointed him out a while ago. Yet, other sources recommended a step-by-step approach as they thought he needed time to develop and adapt. The last 12 months, and his recent World Championship efforts, suggests that they were correct.
Red Dragon’s collection of a threesome of world champions means they have reaped the rewards of a programme, and a belief, that dates back well over a decade. It would be a wise move to keep an eye on their future signings and those already on their books. More than just luck, Simon! In the meantime congratulations are in order. Well done, indeed.
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Originally published in DartsWorld 566 (light editing for context and timing)
Image: PDC
DW Cover: DartsWorld Ltd
