Leyland marketing manager Sharon Hendry said: "Simon's visit represents the official unveiling of our darts sponsorship with him, and we couldn't be happier to be putting our name on his shirt for the year. 

"Simon's performances in the world championships have already generated huge exposure for us in a matter of weeks and if this is a sign of things to come, then we can look forward to a sustained success story in a brand new arena for us." 

Mr Whitlock, recently confirmed as a Premier League player for 2012, said: "I am thrilled to receive the support from Leyland. Having their backing at the World Championships seemed to push me on to perform well and I am sure I will be replicating this form in the competitions ahead." 

Leyland will also be sponsoring 2008 British Darts Organisation world champion Mark Webster, as he bids to build on a breakthrough year in the PDC. 

Aside from the sponsorship itself, both Mr Whitlock and Mr Webster will be making a number of personal appearances for Leyland, while incentives throughout the year mean customers will get the chance to see the pair play at future televised tournaments. 

Leyland's Ms Hendry concluded: "More than 20% of the UK's population were exposed to darts in 2011 and it is now regarded as the second most popular sport on Sky behind football. 

"With all this in mind, we couldn't be more excited to be involved with Simon and Mark, who we will be cheering on from now on!" 
 

A Shropshire businessman has landed a top job in the world of professional darts – after striking up a conversation with a former player on Twitter

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Jonathan Martin, from Baschurch, has been named as the first ever marketing manager for the Professional Darts Players Association – an organisation that represents top stars like Phil Taylor, Adrian Lewis and Raymond van Barneveld.

Martin runs MM Sports Consultants, a business that has up to now largely focussed on working with non-League football clubs such as Ellesmere Rangers, Rushall Olympic and AFC Liverpool.

But he has been appointed to his new role after establishing a relationship with ex-World No 1 Peter Manley, the chairman of the PDPA.

“I started talking with Peter on Twitter,” Martin revealed.

“I was sitting next to my wife Lorraine, who was watching Strictly Come Dancing, and I wrote a Tweet saying it be great to have a darts player on that show.

“Peter Manley replied saying he’d do it, and we got talking from there.

“I met up with him before Christmas and we actually signed the contracts on New Year’s Eve.”

Martin sees his new role as having three strands – raising the profile of darts nationally and further afield, to improve sponsorship revenues for players and for the association, and to create a panel of advisers to give top players sound professional advice.

“It’s classed as a part-time role because I am carrying on with my other jobs but it is quite a wide mandate,” he added.

“My involvement in darts has really grown over the last few months and this is a terrific opportunity.”

Martin’s appointment has also been welcomed enthusiastically by Manley, who was a three-time world championship finalist at the height of his playing career.

Manley said: “I am delighted Jonathan has agreed to become the first marketing manager of the PDPA at this exciting time for the sport and its players.

“I am looking forward to working with Jonathan and I know his vast sporting commercial experience will greatly assist both the association and our player members.”