'I could’ve or should’ve achieved more... I’d love one last crack at it' - Former Premier League star dreams of return to the big stage

Breakthrough in the Desert

While many point to Newton’s UK Open run in 2003 as his breakthrough, he credits the Las Vegas Desert Classic as the moment he truly believed. “I got to the semis two years on the trot and lost to Phil Taylor one year. That was my breakthrough, really — on TV, beating top players. I thought, ‘Yeah, maybe I can do this.’”

The tournament, long removed from the PDC calendar, still holds a special place in Newton’s heart. “It wasn’t guaranteed you’d get in, but even if you didn’t qualify, you got a week in Vegas! It’s one of those events players would love to see return.”

A Relentless Tour and Family Trade-Offs

Newton admitted the travelling lifestyle gets harder with age and family commitments. “When I was young and loving it, I’d have been away every weekend. But once I had kids, I didn’t want to be away as much.”

Co-host Matt Edgar reflected on how global expansion has changed the circuit. “It’s not just Wigan and Barnsley now. It’s Australia, New Zealand, America, Europe… France, Poland, Belgium. That puts more pressure on players, not just time away but the guilt of being in these amazing places while your partner’s at home.”

The Glory Years and “What Could Have Been”

Newton’s best years came between 2011 and 2013, with major finals in the UK Open and European Championship, a Euro Tour win over Paul Nicholson, and consistent World Championship quarter-final appearances. “I never won a major in the end, and I do look back with a bit of disappointment. I feel like I could’ve or should’ve achieved more than I did. But I’m proud of what I did.”

He reached seven major semi-finals in total, including a memorable run at the World Grand Prix in Dublin. “Citywest was a great venue. Double in, double out — that suited me because I played that format in my local league in Fleetwood.”

A highlight of his career came on the famous Blackpool stage, where Newton hit a televised nine-darter against Justin Pipe. “To do that on my local stage was incredible. I was shaking after. I picked up my water and couldn’t even drink it, I was that nervous.”

The Premier League Pressure

Newton’s consistency earned him a spot in the Premier League, though he admits it wasn’t easy. “It’s a hard tournament when you’re not getting wins. It was the old format — one game a week — and if you didn’t win, it got in your head. The current format would’ve suited me more. You win a game and you’re back on stage within an hour, full of confidence.”

Life After the PDC – and What Comes Next

Since falling off the PDC circuit, Newton has tried his hand on the Challenge Tour and WDF circuit, though it hasn’t always felt right. “Deep down, I’m still that same player and I’d love to be back at the main events. But it’s tough. The WDF is so different — smaller venues, shared boards. I was used to having my own board, my own space.”

Edgar added: “You can’t really go backwards. If you start in the WDF, it’s great. But going from the PDC back to that, it’s hard. I was at a WDF event in Hungary where we had to sit outside in a thunderstorm because the venue was too small!”

Despite the struggles, Newton hasn’t ruled out one last campaign. “I’d love one last crack at it. I haven’t tried for a couple of years because I want to be at the right level — there’s no point doing it just for the sake of it. But I do think there’s one last push in me.”

“Still the Player I Always Was”

Edgar closed by praising Newton’s achievements and encouraging him to back himself. “I think Wes is a bit harsh on himself. A lot of players would love the career he’s had. When you’ve reached the Premier League, that level is in there. It’s just about finding it again.”

Whether or not Newton does make a return, his place in modern darts history — finals, nine-darters, and all — is already secure.

“I’ll always be that player inside,” he said. “And I’ll always want to be there. That’s just the way it is.”