Dave Clark – Sky’s top darts presenter talks to Darts, Beers & Cheers!

With the PDC World Match Play only two days away, I have managed a darting coup.. as with pinpoint timing I have been lucky enough to have a few questions answered by Sky sport’s top man, Dave “interviewed The Power 100′s times” Clark.

If you’ve ever watched any PDC darts on Sky TV, you’ll have seen Dave Clark – he’s THE recognisable frontman for darts. Being part of the darts world, he’s also a great bloke, and readily agreed to help out our little corner of darting fandom.  If you want to hear from behind the schemes of the World Match Play in Blackpool, you can follow Dave on Twitter; @davecskydarts.  The semi and final will be in 3D this year – a first for darts.  Dave just told me it will blow my socks off!  I better get myself to a pub showing it then.

So on with the interview!

Q.  You’re probably the most recognised ‘face of darts presenting’ in th UK right now, but I’d love to know how and when you first got involved in darts?  How much did you know about darts before you started presenting the darts?

I’ve been a fan of darts for years.  I got into it as a kid watching indoor league on Yorkshire TV.  We had a board at home and I’d play for hours with my big brother.  When I was on Sky Sports News I used to go to The Circus Tavern as a fan and just loved the buzz around the sport. I started  filling in for Jeff Stelling and when his football commitments took over … I eventually took over presenting the show.

Q.  I’ve heard it said that darts is Sky’s 2nd most watched sport on average (not sure how that’s been calculated), but whatever the figures, it’s definitely been a big success.  Did you ever think darts would be such a big night on Sky when you first started the coverage?

It’s a combination of factors that’s made the sport so big.  Sky’s coverage brings theatre to the event, the music, lighting, amazing openers to shows and the way the live action is produced and directed makes it look like a party you want to be at.

Without Phil Taylor the sport would not have got the coverage and status that it now enjoys. He’s done for darts what Michael Jordan did for basketball.

The PDC have had the vision to take the sport forward with new events and bigger venues.  To walk out on stage in front of 10,000 people is breathtaking! I don’t think anyone would have guessed it would become Britains biggest indoor sport.

Q.  What’s the ‘typical’ preparation like for you before you go on live TV to present?

I do all my stats and facts well in advance of major events and keep old programmes from down the years for reference, the Internet is a great source of info these days.   I normally travel to events with the Producer and chat through the show on the day.  Once at the venue, I’ll go into the players room and catch up with with the lads and see if they’ve got any info I can use.  I also meet with the commentators and run through a few lines with them.  Then it’s off to the broadcast truck to check on VT to be used during the show.  Rod and I normally share a dressing room and there’s usually a good bit of banter before we’re on air.  We go live on Sky Sports News in the hour  leading up to the show, rehearsals in studio and then we’re ready to rock.

Q.  The last premier league final was a bit of a story, for more than one reason!    Firstly – how did you feel on the Sunday evening when you started to realise there was a risk you were not going to have a show that night?   Could you tell us when you first heard something was up with the power.. and how it went from there?

It was a huge anti climax.  Really felt sorry for all the crowd who were stuck outside and were geared up for a great night ……..then nothing!   We knew there was something wrong when the venue was plunged into darkness.  All our lights and camera gear were still working because we bring our own generators, but Wembley Arena are reliant on the grid for emergency exits etc and were left helpless!   Everyone set an 8pm deadline to get the lights on, when that passed it was over for the day.

…Then on Monday, Phil Taylor hit those two nine darters – what was it like backstage when the 2nd went in?

I wasn’t back stage – whenever a 9 darter is on everybody in the press room runs out to see the  last dart hit the double live, what a buzz.  Phil was so relaxed that night, he was play fighting with Rod and I before his walk on.  When he got the first 9 darter he told Rod he was going to do it again! I don’t think we’d have had The Taylor double 9 darter if we hadn’t had the cancellation the night before.

Q.  You obviously work with a small team of people – what’s it like working with Rod, and the bundle of energy that is Sid Waddell?

Two top blokes and great mates.  Sid is 70 this summer and he has the energy and outlook of a 16 year old with the brain of a Albert Einstein.  Rod is up there with the best pundits on Sky in terms of honesty and analysis, he doesn’t pull any punches.

Q.  The world match play is about to start in Blackpool – can you see anyone other than Phil Taylor winning it?  Do you have a tip for the fans?

I fancy Gary Anderson to have a good run.  Looking forward to his match against Robert Thornton on day 3.  It’ll be interesting to see Raymond back after his break, he was in South Africa supporting The Dutch at The World Cup.  I wouldn’t back against Taylor making it an 11th  Matchplay title.

Q.  Who’s the best interviewee out of the darts pro’s you’ve had in the press box?

Being a good interviewee takes practice – that’s why Barney and Taylor are so good to listen to. Peter Manley is always decent value. Paul Nicholson thinks about what he’s going to say and comes over well.

James Wade is also working hard on his technique.

Q.  With the time you must have waiting around… and the boards and oche set-up at events… do you ever throw a crafty dart or two?  Have you ever played Rod or any of the pro’s?

It’s like going to the FA Cup final and taking your boots!  I have thrown a few darts with Phil and Rod, embarassed myself against both!

Q. The comedian Dave Gorman is about to try your job out for Bravo TV and the Euro Darts championships – any advice for him?

I’m a big fan of Dave Gorman on radio and TV.  He doesn’t need advice from me. He’ll treat the sport with  the respect it deserves and be great!  I hear he can play a bit.

Q. Finally, as “Darts, Beers & Cheers!” is by the fans for the fans – what’s your view on the fans of darts, and has the nature of a darts fan changed since you’ve been involved in the sport?

Darts fans are amazing! They have the best sense of humour and they’re not afraid to take The Mickey out of themselves. The Premier League has attracted a party loving crowd alongside a darts loving crowd.  It’s meant a differerent atmosphere, but there’s room for both.

Thanks again to Dave Clark for his time and great answers.  I was pleasantly surprised with some of his answers – that he’s a darts fan first and foremost (you don’t always get that with TV sports presenters, BBC TAKE NOTE!).  You will see him next on Sky Sports’ coverage of the World Match Play in Blackpool, starting this Saturday (July 17th), during which you can follow Dave on Twitter; @davecskydarts.

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