A BASCHURCH businessman has hit the bullseye by becoming the Professional Darts Players Association’s first ever marketing manager.
Jonathan Martin, who runs MM Sports Consultants, got the job after a chance conversation on social networking site, Twitter, with former world number one, and three-time PDC world darts finalist, Peter Manley.
The PDPA, of which Manley is chairman, represents darts players competing on the Professional Darts Corporation tour, such as overall 15-time World Champion, Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor, and five-time World overall title winner, Raymond van Barneveld.
“I am really excited by it,” Jonathan said. “It is a fantastic opportunity.”
Jonathan has been a sports consultant for five years, mainly working with non-league football clubs such as AFC Liverpool, Stourbridge, and is also heavily involved with Ellesmere Rangers.
But he spoke passionately to the Advertizer about his exciting diversification last week, telling of his discussion with Manley who had contacted him about an appearance on the popular Strictly Come Dancing BBC TV show, which provoked his new role.
“I had been using Twitter while the show was on and posted a comment about how I thought it would be good to see a darts player taking part.
“Within minutes Peter Manley had responded saying he would be up for it and we had a bit of banter.
“He must have been doing some research on me behind the scenes and it turned out he was looking for someone with my skill set with a view to a potential role,” he added.
Jonathan will be working with players to secure sponsorship deals, recommending financial advisors and secure business investment into the sport while increasing its profile worldwide.
The first event he has put together is a darts exhibition at Scotland’s Celtic Football Club, and he added: “The role will be thoroughly demanding with plenty to keep me busy.
“But the sport is on a massive high at the moment and it is a great time to get involved,” he added.