More stories

  • in

    I became an Ally Pally legend for my ‘Pie Man’ nickname but I’m unrecognisable after my incredible body transformation

    DARTS legend Andy Smith was known on the circuit as the “Pie Man” thanks to his larger-than-life personality and affection for short-crust confectionery.The three time World Grand Prix quarter-finalist won six PDC Pro Tour Titles after joining the organisation in 2004.
    The Pie Man would walk on to ‘Eat It’ by Weird Al YankovichCredit: Getty
    Andy Smith was a regular at Ally PallyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Like many darters, that came after years of ploughing away on the BDO circuit before working his way up to the pros.
    While in the PDC he embraced his stocky figure by having Weird Al Yankovic’s “Eat It” as his walk out song as he made his way to the oche.
    Now 56, he has not returned to the tour since losing his PDC Card in December 2016.
    And he has taken that time away from the oche to reinvent himself with an incredible body transformation.
    READ MORE IN DARTS
    New pictures show the “Pie Man” looking far trimmer than his throwing days – with Smith looking almost unrecognisable.
    His new look has had fans on X in shock.
    Darts commentator Matthew Edgar posted two photos of the Pie Man’s transformation, saying: “Got to be one of the most amazing transformations I’ve ever seen.
    “Andy ‘Pie Man’ Smith may need a new nickname if he returns to darts.”
    Most read in Football
    Another fan replied that Smith may have to change his nickname to the Salad Man.
    The Pie Man has now drawn comparisons with Ross Kemp in his much slimmer frameCredit: Twitter @theedgar501
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFER
    A third likened Smith’s new look to Ross Kemp and tweeted a gif of the former Eastenders actor.
    A fourth added a message of support, saying: “He has done fantastic to lose the weight and looking a lot better now”
    A fifth said: “Good for him, he looks great.” More

  • in

    Sky Sports presenter Emma Paton rocks very bold outfit and low-cut top live on TV

    SKY SPORTS presenter Emma-Louise Paton stunned fans in her latest TV appearance.Paton attended the Sky studio in an elegant pink outfit as she shared her expertise with her colleagues.
    Sky Sports presenter Emma-Louise Paton stood out with a pink outfitCredit: Sky Sports
    Paton has attracted a large following on social media
    Paton is often seen covering the darts for Sky Sports
    Paton has proven to be a very versatile reporter for Sky SportsCredit: Instagram / @missemmapaton
    The presenter, who recently hosted US Open coverage, is a regular on the darts.
    The journalist isn’t just seen covering the darts and tennis, but is also a regular on Sky Sports News.
    The reporter has been working for Sky since 2012, but has started to make a name for herself online in recent years.
    Paton has amassed an impressive 140,000 followers on Instagram where she gives fans a sneak peek behind the scenes of the TV coverage.
    Read More on Sport
    Most recently, the television personality shared some snaps to her Instagram as she helped Sky cover the US Open.
    Paton has shown immense versatility as she also specialises in WWE as well as eSports.
    The popular media personality also presented the NFL UK fantasy show.
    And as a former track athlete herself, who used to compete nationally in the 400m, Paton has worked on a number of big athletics events.
    Most read in Football
    As a result, she has attracted a loyal audience thanks to her impressive work on the field.
    One fan recently commented: “At last Emma you’ve got the really big gig you deserve.
    “Next step is the Wimbledon anchor job you should already have got.”
    Paton has also covered WWE and NFL in recent yearsCredit: Instagram / @missemmapaton
    Paton’s work has won her over a large and loyal fanbase on social mediaCredit: Instagram / @missemmapaton
    Many believe Paton deserves a top job in sports reportingCredit: instagram @missemmapaton More

  • in

    Tottenham cult hero Sandro struck up unlikely friendship with darts legend who’s home was ‘like a movie’

    FORMER Tottenham midfielder Sandro has revealed he once went round darts legend Bobby George’s house after falling in love with the sport during his time in England.The Brazilian, 34, joined Spurs from South American side Internacional in 2010 and went on to play 106 times across a four-year spell.
    Sandro spent four years at Tottenham and played more than 100 games for the clubCredit: Getty
    Bobby George is known to be one of darts most colourful charactersCredit: Getty
    All told, he spent seven years in England as his time in North London was followed by spells at QPR and West Brom.
    And he immersed himself in the culture during his time in the country, becoming a big fan of darts after regularly watching it on TV.
    This led to him buying some darts of his own to practice with, before someone at Spurs put him in contact with George.
    Ex-darts pro George, 77, finished runner-up in the BDO World Darts Championship in both 1980 and 1994.
    READ MORE ON TOTTENHAM
    But he is just as well-known for his eccentric personality, often seen wearing heaps of jewellery and giving brilliant opinions as a pundit on Sky Sports.
    And Sandro has now revealed a meeting he had with George which involved going to the darts legend’s “movie” house and playing his son.
    Sandro exclusively told Ladbrokes Fanzone: “Bobby George. Lovely jubbly! What a guy Bobby is. I don’t really know how this interview happened with him; I just know I was always playing darts in my house when I moved to England.
    “I’ve said it before, I’m an open guy, and when I came to England I wanted to understand and enjoy the culture.
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    James Maddison’s celebration involves him pretending to play dartsCredit: PA
    “I was always watching darts on TV and I fell in love with the game, so I bought some darts and tried to learn it!
    “I think some guy from Tottenham set me up with Bobby to do some work with him, and just because of how much I watched darts, I knew a bit of history about him, and the game itself. So when the guy asked if I wanted to meet Bobby, of course I did!
    “He was such a nice guy, we turned up at his house and it was like something from a movie! He was a great host, and we just spent the day playing darts, drinking and having fun!
    “I played against his son, while Bobby was just talking to us in the background, but my god, even his son was so good.”
    Sandro also referenced James Maddison’s celebration – which sees him throw an imaginary dart – and even challenged the ex-Leicester man to a game on the oche.
    He added: “I see James Maddison’s celebration is him pretending to throw darts, so it looks like he loves the game as well!
    “I’d love to give him a game, but I’d have to get practicing again now. Get myself, Bobby and Maddison in a room and let’s do it!” More

  • in

    Alessia Russo hits a bullseye while playing darts with pal Ella Toone in Lionesses camp

    ENGLAND’S Alessia Russo proves her pinpoint shooting accuracy transcends sports – by hitting a bullseye.The star striker, nicknamed the “Russonator” for her robotic precision, played darts with best pal Ella Toone in the Lionesses camp.
    Alessia Russso lines up with her arrowsCredit: TWITTER/LIONESSES
    Alessia watches her dart approach the boardCredit: TWITTER/LIONESSES
    And she celebrates hitting the bullCredit: TWITTER/LIONESSES
    Video showed new Arsenal signing Russo, 24, score a perfect 50 pointer on Monday to beat her former Man United teammate.
    She said “I’m buzzing” while celebrating.
    But Tooney, 23, joked: “I don’t even play. She’s retiring.”
    Russo has scored twice in this World Cup and will hope to surpass Lauren James, who scored three goals before her red card against Nigeria, as top scorer by netting against Australia.
    Read More on Alessia Russo
    At 11, Alessia was tipped as a future England star by goalscoring great Kelly Smith – and now, 13 years later, she really is making the Lionesses roar.
    The World Cup forward, who scored the winning goal against Colombia on Saturday to take England into the semi-finals, has been dubbed the “golden girl” of the Women’s Super League.
    The 24-year-old had already cemented her place in the nation’s hearts with a spectacular backheel goal for England in last year’s Euros semi-final against Sweden which was named the Goal of the Tournament.
    Now, a month after her transfer to Arsenal from Manchester United, Alessia — known to her family as Lessi — is lighting up the World Cup too.
    Most read in Football
    Ace Alessia’s bullseyeCredit: TWITTER/LIONESSES More

  • in

    Premier League flop brutally trolled at the darts after fans chanted ‘you fat b*****d’ in final-day defeat

    A FORMER Premier League player was brutally trolled at the darts with a savage sign shown on live TV.The Leeds man struggled to make an impact at Elland Road last season.
    This sign hit out at Weston McKennie at the dartsCredit: SKYSPORTS
    And on the final day of the season, as Leeds were relegated to the Championship, fans harshly chanted “you fat b*****d” at him.
    Now Weston McKennie has been subject to further abuse – this time at Winter Gardens in Blackpool for Monday’s PDC World Matchplay darts action.
    As Andrew Gilding walked on to face Peter Wright on Monday, a sign was held out in front of the Sky Sports camera which read: “Weston McKennie loves a takeaway.”
    And the Leeds fan had also added “MOT” on the side – which stands for Leeds’ motto, ‘Marching On Together’.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    The brutal dig was lauded by a selection of Leeds supporters.
    One said: “What a fanbase.”
    Another wrote: “Hahahaha 10/10.”
    And a third added: “Tweet of the day.”
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    McKennie, 24, joined Leeds on loan from Juventus for the second half of the season in January.
    However, the American could not make his mark in his 20 appearances and was unable to keep the Whites in the top flight.
    McKennie’s dad John hit out at Leeds supporters on Twitter following his son’s exit, writing: “All the best to LUFC! For those who supported Weston in a hostile environment, you have my respect!
    “For those who failed to remember it’s a team sport, you live to fight another day!”
    McKennie now looks set to be sold by his Italian parent club, with Borussia Dortmund linked with a transfer.
    Meanwhile, his former club have brought in Daniel Farke as their new boss and Ethan Ampadu to bolster the squad for the Championship.
    The American endured a torrid time at Elland RoadCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Before my big break in darts I had a job tiling the bathroom of a famous Arsenal legend, reveals Michael van Gerwen

    DARTS hero Michael van Gerwen has revealed he tiled the bathroom of an Arsenal legend before his big break.Life was very different for the three-time PDC world champion before he stepped up to the oche.
    Michael van Gerwen had an unusual job before becoming a darts starCredit: Rex
    Dennis Bergkamp had his bathroom tilled before MVGCredit: Getty
    Van Gerwen worked as a tiler when he was a teenager in his homeland of Holland.
    And he once worked as a tradesman in the house of Arsenal icon Dennis Bergkamp.
    MVG told the Mirror: “I used to work as a tiler. The biggest job I ever had was putting up the tiles in Bergkamp’s bathroom.
    “We had to make sure we did a really good job on it. You don’t want to mess up when you are working for a legend like Bergkamp.
    READ MORE IN DARTS
    “When I was fitting those tiles, I never thought I would be a millionaire by the time I was 24.
    “But it proves that if you work hard and do well at the major tournaments, you can make a good living out of being a professional darts player.
    “I don’t think I would have been this rich if I had worked as a tiler until I was 70.”
    Van Gerwen is not the only darts fans’ favourite to have worked in different sectors before hitting 180s.
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    Current Premier League leader Gerwyn Price used to play professional rugby.
    Reigning world champion Micheal Smith used to work with cattle.
    Bully Boy has since converted one of his properties into a farm.
    Meanwhile, Peter Wright did it all from fitting windows to working on a holiday camp before becoming a darts ace.
    Jonny Clayton may play in the Premier League but the humble star still does part-time plastering on the side. More

  • in

    Man Utd flop left Michael van Gerwen furious after beating him at darts… with a NINE-DARTER

    MICHAEL VAN GERWEN was left fuming after being beaten at a game of darts by Wout Weghorst. The Manchester United star, who is on loan from Burnley, revealed his match with Van Gerwen and how he ended up leaving his Dutch compatriot “a little angry”.
    Michael Van Gerwen lost a darts match to Wout WeghorstCredit: Rex
    With Weghorst revealing the ‘cool’ way he beat his countrymanCredit: EPA
    Speaking to Sky Sports last year, Weghorst said: “We played once, he was with the national team (to visit).
    “He came there on an evening and we just played. It was funny and then at the end, we played from 301.
    “We played down and then I beat him. Of course that was crazy, that was really nice.
    “But he was a little bit angry and wanted to play two more games and I had no chance.”
    READ MORE IN SPORT
    The 30-year-old then lifted the lid on the “cool” way he beat the former world No1.
    He added: “But we will just stick with the first one. I was done in nine from 301.
    “I started exactly with two 140’s and then hit the double directly so that was funny, that was cool.”
    Weghorst has struggled to find his best form since joining Erik ten Hag’s side in January.
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    He has failed to score in 13 Premier League outings but has managed a goal in both the Europa League and Carabao Cup.
    Last month SunSport exclusively revealed how Besiktas want to bring Weghorst back in the summer.
    This is despite the 6ft 6in forward ditching them in the middle of the season in order to pursue a loan transfer to Man Utd.
    In Van Gerwen’s case, he has cast doubt over his Premier League darts future after revealing he was “fed up” of losing.
    The 34-year-old lost the PDC World Championship final the Michael Smith in January before losing to Smith again in the semi-finals in Manchester. More

  • in

    ‘Homes under the hammered’ – PDC share joke with Dion Dublin after boozy pub session ahead of World Darts Championship

    THE PDC poked fun at Dion Dublin’s drinking session as the TV host and former footballer headed to the darts. The World Championships are in full swing and producing some absolutely stunning matches.
    Dublin was enjoying a boozy pub session with mates before the dartsCredit: Twitter / @DionDublinDube

    Darts fan Dublin is among those enjoying the action at the Alexandra Palace and was seen on camera enjoying the opening game of the afternoon.
    Before that, the Homes Under the Hammer presenter took to Twitter as he showed off all of his downed pints.
    Dublin can be seen holding six empty cups of beer alongside mates as he prepared for a laid-back afternoon at the Ally-Pally.
    The former Manchester United flashed a smile at the camera and directed a message at the PDC account as he tweeted: “6 down let’s go!”
    READ MORE IN DARTS
    The official darts account then brilliantly quipped: “Homes under the hammered”.
    Dublin was announced as a shock presenter of the daytime BBC show in 2015.
    Since then he has become popular with viewers and known for his “stairs leading up to the bedrooms” catchphrase.
    He also featured as a co-commentator for some of the BBC’s World Cup coverage.
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST NEW CUSTOMER SIGN UP DEALS
    The drama Dublin watched out in Qatar is almost being surpassed by the last few days of action at the PDC World Championships.
    The 53-year-old was in attendance this afternoon as Dirk van Duijvenbode played out an all-time Ally Pally classic with Ross Smith.
    The Dutchman won a deciding sudden death leg after he and Smith could not be separated over six gripping sets.
    The pair also combined for a record-breaking 31 180s which smashed the previous amount for a best-of-seven game.
    Van Duijvenbode will now face tournament favourite and countryman Michael van Gerwen in the last 16.
    Van Gerwen was embroiled in a brilliant match of his own yesterday as he saw off the impressive Mensur Suljovic. More