‘I wish that’s all it was…’ – Manager hits out at Luke Littler’s belittling claim after parting ways with own agent

A PROFESSIONAL DARTS agent has laughed off Luke Littler’s attempts to manage himself solo, saying the role is far more complex that he imagines.

The reigning world darts champion announced this week he had split with Martin Foulds after five years together and would be leaving ZXF Sports Management.

Shutterstock EditorialA darts agent has laughed off Luke Littler’s claim he would manage himself[/caption]

Shutterstock EditorialNuke was previously managed by Martin Foulds[/caption]

The 18-year-old will go solo and mastermind his own darts career, working in conjunction with his parents and one of his main sponsors, Target Darts.

Explaining why they separated ways, The Nuke said he would get involved in “just booking flights, hotels and all that stuff”.

But Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) registered agent Jack Bowman, who looks after world No142 Tom Sykes on behalf of JB Darts Management, said on social media: “I wish managing a darts player only consisted of booking flights and hotels…”

The post was accompanied with a man facepalming emoji, which is often associated with frustration, exasperation or incredulity.

Foulds – who also manages oche stars Chris Dobey and Nathan Aspinall – was a regular presence as Littler dramatically made the 2024 World Darts Championship final at Ally Pally as an amateur thrower.

Though he was beaten in the showdown of his debut tournament by Luke Humphries, Littler returned the following year to become the youngest person to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy, as he beat Michael van Gerwen for the £500,000 prize.

Throughout 2024, he won more than £1million in prize money, collected several top titles, including the Premier League crown, and became a worldwide phenomenon.

Foulds was involved in signing lucrative commercial contracts and gave steady financial advice to Littler and his family as they became household names.

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Glen Durrant, the three-time Lakeside world champion, was stunned by the decision but reckons this could work well for Littler as he starts collecting more trophies and building his legacy.

The Middlesbrough thrower said on Sky Sports: “I was surprised – I was shocked, to be honest.

“First of all, I’d like to say a big well done to Martin as well, because Luke was this player, a 12/13-year-old, that everybody was talking about, and he’s been dealt with absolutely perfectly.

“My immediate thoughts were that I was a little bit surprised. I thought it was a combination that worked – one that had a bit of longevity to it.

“I’ve become good friends with Luke’s dad, and it’s always been a bit of a family affair.

“He’s got wonderful support from his mum and dad. I’ve got to know them really well, and the relationship is fantastic.

“But when you’re a top-eight player, it’s interesting what Luke said – ‘I can book my own flights and hotels.’

“I’ve had a manager for over a decade now, and you want that motivation, you want everything to be perfect.

“You just want the right person by your side. Maybe Luke sees his dad as that person. It’ll be interesting – they’ll have advisors as well.

“Luke is huge. He’s a commodity, one of the biggest sports stars in Britain. So it won’t be purely family. They’ll be getting good advice elsewhere too.”

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