Former BDO World Darts champion Andy Fordham is aiming to get back to the top and has his love of the game back.

The 53 year old makes his return to the oche this weekend over in the Isle of Man after surgery in the New Year and he told Kent Sports News how he wants to make it back to the BDO Lakeside World Professional Darts Chamionship :

“I’ve just has a hernia operation, being a large bloke as you would say, they had to cut the muscle and I was laid up for about six weeks.”

“I missed two tournaments, but the Isle of Man one is coming up (this weekend) and hopefully I will make a good start to the season as I want to make it to Lakeside.”

“Through things I did drink wise, I had to stop playing for a while, but hopefully this year I will get myself back on track.”

Fordham made his name back in 2004, taking the BDO World Darts title and in recent years the game has seen an upturn in fortunes and coverage.

With a lot more money in the game and both the BBC and Sky televising more events, Fordham believes the game can only go from strength to strength:

“It’s got massive and obviously Barry Hearn has had a lot to do with it. He’s a very clever man, very shrewd. People say he earns a lot of money out of it, but then so do the players, so you can’t knock him.”

“I Just hope I can get myself back up to the top so I can earn some of that money!”

The appeal of making it back to the top of the game is one lure for Fordham, but being inspired by his family is another and the star is hoping they and his support network will spur him on to greater things including a trip to Lakeside:

“I have got grandchildren now and it would be great to get back there so they can see what it’s like. I was there this year and the reception I get every time I go is brilliant.”

“It makes you want to get back up there and give something back to the people that have been behind you for many years.”

“I must admit, for the last few years I struggled, but it’s coming back as my confidence is coming back. My game is coming back and the enjoyment is coming back as well.”

With the next generation starting to emerge in darts, Fordham believes there is a place in the game for young Kent talent and believes one local lad has a bright future:

“I am very lucky as I travel with a young lad called George Cressey from down Leysdown way and he’s just turned eighteen. He’s won at youth level and now he’s in with the bigger blokes.”

“He’s doing really well and is certainly one to look out for.”

“There are some great players coming through and hopefully they will keep it going for many more years to come.”

Fordham starred in BBC’s Let’s Play Darts for Comic Relief on Wednesday evening, playing with comedian Bob Mortimer with the pair narrowly losing out at the Quarter Final stage to Roisin Conaty and Richie George.

Keep an eye on Kent Sports News in the coming weeks for a fantastic chance to play darts with Andy Fordham.