Former BDO World Champion Andy Fordham exited the Grand Slam of Darts with his head held high after a 5-2 defeat against Michael Smith.

The 53 year old from Dartford was back to his old self over the past week and showed glimpses of the past as he was cheered on by hundreds of loyal fans in Wolverhampton.

Fordham needed a 5-2 win to progress on Tuesday night and his faint hopes were extinguished by Smith’s deadly accuracy at the doubles, with the local man taking out 160, 150 and 112 on his way to victory.

Afterwards, the man nicknamed ‘The Viking’ revealed that he hoped to make another appearance at a major tournament in the future.

“I’ve absolutely loved it. I’ve been very nervous, but I’ve enjoyed it,” said Fordham. “I would love to come back. I’ll be trying my best. who knows?”

The 2004 BDO World Champion, who has battled health and alcohol problems for several years, has not played at Lakeside since 2006 and will not feature there in 2016, but he hasn’t given up hope of returning there in the future:

“A few people have said about trying to get into the PDC but I’d love to get to Lakeside once more.”

“I’ve got grandchildren now and I’d love for them to see it.”

“It’s proved a few things for me,” Fordham said. “I know I can compete now at a higher level. I want to just keep going forward now.”

“The crowd have been unbelievable. I’ve got to thank (chairman) Barry Hearn and the PDC for making the opportunity there for us. If I ever get back, I’ll be back like a rocket.”