Bobby George one of the most influential figures within darts has extended his contract with Winmau for another three years.
“I was over the moon that my contract was being renewed. I’ve been associated with Winmau for 48 years now and Harry Kicks Junior whose father founded the company is a good mate of mine.”
Harry Kicks Senior an Ex Sargent founded the company in 1945 and named the company after his wife Winifred Maud, which has since gone on to become the biggest name within the sport.
Winmau marketing director Simon Hall spoke on Bobby’s new contract, with the Essex associated player extending for a further 3 years with Winmau.”
“Bobby has done so much for the sport through his playing days and role within the media. He understands what this company is all about and I’m happy he is staying with us for more years to come.”
George has always been a fan of the dartboard’s that Winmau produce, with the recent Blade 6 being the official board of the PDC now since February 2022.
“Winmau are the best dartboards you can buy without a doubt. The sisal is all done properly, the wiring is spot on, and the bullseye is right in the middle.”
The King of Bling was a popular character within the world of darts, introducing the concept of walk on music as well as inventing famous phrases that are still used today including “Scoring for show doubles for dough”, “May the darts be with you” and “Time flies like an arrow” his new one
“I was the first player to include walk on music, in 1994 I was speaking with a cameraman, and he agreed that I should have my own signature walk on music to keep the atmosphere going. They just walked on with their national flags and no music, which led me to ask the BBC if I could do it.”
“The BBC asked Olly Croft and he agreed. I never picked my first music; Martin Fitzmaurice the MC chose the song and it started with the revving up of a motorbike, before I walked on the stage to: Do You Wanna Be In My Gang by Gary Glitter.”
“The game changed with this concept; I was the first to wear sequinned shirts as well as the nice jewellery. I feel like I’ve made a difference in the game, along with all my sayings.”
George had a glittering career playing in numerous World Championships, but it was a different competition that the Bobby Dazzler loved to play in the most.
“I loved the Butlins Grand Masters because it was all the top players in the world, and I won the event twice on the trot. Alan Glazier was the best player for me, he was a nice guy, I didn’t mind playing Alan and he was a really good player who didn’t put anyone off, just played his own game.”
“I won my first News of the World in 1979 without dropping a leg all the way through, an achievement no one has ever done. I look back now and think how I won that without dropping a leg from the start, that’s over 10 months which I won 2-0 every game and the odds of doing it would have been very high. My 2nd News of the World came in 1986.”
Bobby has gone on to a career in the media which has seen him work events including the Lakeside World Championships as well as the recent Senior World Championships at the Circus Tavern. The King of Bling has been an influential figure within the media as well as his days as a player beforehand.
“I was asked to be a pundit with Ray Stubbs and I thought yeah because back then no one had a darts pundit. I did it and I’ve been doing it now ever since and I enjoy it.”
Bobby spoke about his opinions on the where the game has got to nowadays, with the sport growing even more following the conclusion of the World Championship back in January.
“In the 80s darts was really busy, you go in the pub, and you couldn’t get on the dartboard as all of them were playing and running tournaments constantly.”
“Nowadays it really has exploded, the kids are getting involved and some of them can really play too. The sport is right at the top now, lots of money involved for the players, lots of people can qualify and the World Championships include 90+ people so it’s good. Barry Hearn has done it well and without him they wouldn’t have got there, he made it what it is.”
George will continue his punditry role in 2024 with more upcoming competitions within the World Seniors Circuit, including the Matchplay in York and the Masters at the Rainton Arena.
Congratulations to the King of Bling on his new extension with Winmau and we wish Bobby all the best with his upcoming work for the year. As Bobby says: “May the Darts be With You”.
By Harry Masterson
