PHIL TAYLOR reckons his beloved Port Vale should take inspiration from his first world darts triumph and land a bullseye blow on Chelsea in the FA Cup.
‘The Power’ was a 125-1 outsider when he stunned oche legend Eric Bristow in the 1990 final.
Port Vale are heading down in League One, but they have a chance to make history in the FA CupCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Just like Phil Taylor did when he won the World Professional Darts Championship in 1990Credit: Getty Images – Getty
strugglers Vale travel to the holders today and are 20-1 to win the quarter-final clash.
Taylor is a regular visitor to his hometown club with grandson Carter and said: “I will never, ever forget after winning that match against Eric, an old lady came up to me in the street in Burslem.
“She said, ‘Phil, I saw the odds on you winning and stuck a fiver on you. I knew you wouldn’t let me down. I can’t thank you enough.’
“She would have won £750. Putting that into context, my house at the time cost me £7,500 and my mortgage was £20 a month. My point is that just like that final against Eric, this is a two horse race.
“So on the day there is much more scope for something surprising to happen — just like that day in the old Embassy final.
“Burslem is only a little town. I can only imagine how mad it will go up here if they do actually win. This is already brilliant for our little area.
“That old lady is probably not around now but I might have a sneaky £50 on Vale. If it worked for her it can work for me.”
Phil ‘The Power Taylor at Port Vale’s stadium Vale ParkCredit: Paul Tonge
16-time World Darts Champion Phil “the Power” with his grandson Carter, both Vale fansCredit: Paul Tonge
Burslem is also the birthplace of pop icon and he and Taylor are pals.
But the Power added: “If Vale go to and win, I’d be the THIRD most famous celebrity from round here after him and the Vale team. And nothing would make me happier.”
Taylor, 65, dominated until he retired last year but now enjoys downtime by sitting with his grandson in Vale Park’s Railway End, although Jon Brady’s side is bottom of League One.
Taylor said: “I go down four or five times a season with Carter and we have a smashing time.
“The team needs to forget about the league now. I don’t think there is much chance of them staying up.
“So they should go all out for beating Chelsea, getting to the Cup semi-final and a day out at .”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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