John Henderson admits it makes his “spine shiver” as he gets ready for another epic home Unibet Premier League clash.
The Huntly hurler was part of the greatest-ever darts walk-on in Aberdeen a year ago as a PL Challenger - and then grabbed an epic draw with Michael van Gerwen.
Now he’s preparing for a new venue with a 7,000 sell-out at the P&J Live tomorrow night (Thurs) to take on Nathan Aspinall.
Hendo revealed: “I said at the time even on the stage after the game that I was speechless. I couldn’t hear the questions during a SKY interview with Dave Clark and Wayne Mardle that I was being asked it was so loud.
“That was 4,000. The new place is over 7,000. I can’t believe anything could ever have topped last year.
“I sat back in the house that night and almost had tears in my eyes as I thought about what had just gone on. It was incredible. Unfortunately, I’ve not yet managed a win on the Tour, but I couldn’t imagine it would be any better than that in terms of crowd reception.
“You understand that people want you to do well, but that was just another level. It actually took me aback that people were so behind me and what made it was that I played well against Michael van Gerwen.
“In my eyes, he’s brilliant, a beast on the board and he average 109. I still got a draw and it made it special.
“If this year tops that, I’m not sure just how I’ll handle it. I was emotional last year. Who knows what emotion it might be this time if it goes to plan.
“I went out of the World Championships not knowing this was on the cards. I spoke with Fallon Sherrock about the Contenders possibly and she was told about the World Series.
“I wondered if that meant there would be no Contenders in the Premier League this year, but my manager called me a couple of days after I got home to tell me.
“I’d a feeling I’d get the Aberdeen nod if they did do it. Let’s face it, there would have been an uproar around here if I didn’t. Tickets sales would have gone from 7,000 to 700!”
It’s remarkable to think that Hendo’s appearance will probably overshadow the homecoming of new Scottish World Champion Peter Wright and return of Gary Anderson to the Premier League.
Henderson added: “It’s just surreal to think about it all. It’s going to be some night for Scottish darts and the order of play makes me spine shiver.
“The second game of the night is the World Champion Peter Wright playing against the World No.1 Michael van Gerwen. The second game! Two out of five when it should be prime, normally.
“Gary is on third and then me fourth. I feel for Rob Cross and Gerwyn Price who are coming on last. The place will either be empty or folk will be flying!
“I playing a newbie, but some newbie. He’s UK Open Champions, Las Vegas World Series Champion and World No.8! That’s what they class as a newbie these days!
“At 23 or 24 years of age, his growth in the past 12 months has been incredible and I’m pleased for him because he’s a lovely lad.
“It’s going to be a tough game, but I managed to cope with Michael last year, so if I can do that, I can do this.”
By Phil Lanning (@lannomedia)
Photography courtesy of Taylor Lanning (@taylanningpix)