“With some of those contracts he’ll be dealing with, he’ll definitely need big advice” – Glen Durrant ‘surprised’ by Luke Littler’s abrupt management split as he picks out successor

Glen Durrant ‘Surprised’ by Luke Littler’s Management Split: “He’ll Definitely Need Big Advice” as Successor Speculation Runs Wild

Darts pundit Glen Durrant has voiced his surprise at Luke Littler’s abrupt decision to split from his long-standing management team, ZXF Sports, warning that the teenage sensation “will definitely need big advice” to navigate the complex world of endorsements and scheduling as his career skyrockets. In a candid discussion on Sky Sports’ Darts Centre on October 8, 2025, the former world champion admitted he was “shocked” by the move, while speculating that Littler might turn to a heavyweight like Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom for his next chapter. The announcement, revealed just hours before Littler’s triumphant World Grand Prix opener, has left the darts community reeling, with fans and experts alike pondering if “The Nuke” is ready to fly solo at 18.

Durrant’s Shock: “I Was Surprised and Shocked”
Durrant, a two-time PDC major winner and respected analyst, didn’t mince words when reflecting on Littler’s Instagram post confirming the amicable split from ZXF founder Martin Foulds after five years. “I was surprised and I was shocked,” Durrant told Sky Sports’ Polly James during a post-match breakdown of Littler’s 2-0 sets win over Gian van Veen, where the teen averaged 105.58 against van Veen’s record-breaking 106.47. “I’d like to say a big well done to Martin [Foulds], because Luke was this 13-year-old player that everybody was talking about and he’s been dealt with absolutely perfectly.”

ZXF, under Foulds, had been instrumental since Littler joined at age 13 in 2020, steering him through his 2023/24 World Championship final breakthrough and negotiating deals with brands like Target Darts, boohooMAN, and Xbox. The team managed the chaos of his 2025 Triple Crown (World Championship, Premier League, World Matchplay), netting over £1.5 million in prize money. Durrant’s praise underscores Foulds’ role in shielding Littler from the pitfalls of fame, including trolls targeting his relationship with girlfriend Faith Millar and the pressure of a non-stop schedule (120+ matches).

But Durrant’s concern lies in the “contracts” Littler will now handle himself. “With some of those contracts he’ll be dealing with, he’ll definitely need big advice,” he warned, alluding to potential multimillion-pound deals as Littler’s profile rivals Phil Taylor’s. Sports finance expert Dr. Rob Wilson estimates Littler could earn £100 million over the next decade, making savvy management crucial.

Littler’s Response: “I’m on My Own—It’s Better”
Littler, fresh from his Grand Prix victory—his first in the double-in/double-out format after two prior first-round exits—brushed off questions about his new setup with a confident grin. “New what? I’m on my own. It’s just myself,” he told reporters, later clarifying: “I’m going to have help from Garry at Target as well. It’s going to be massive; we’re going in the right direction.” The 18-year-old’s cryptic “No one knows” tease about his successor has sparked rampant speculation: Modus Sports (Taylor’s ex-agency) leads the pack, with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom—home to Anthony Joshua—also tipped for its showbiz savvy. Durrant leaned toward Hearn: “Eddie would be perfect—big advice for the big leagues.”

Littler’s independence aligns with his maturity, dismissing retirement pranks and vowing a lighter 2026 for holidays with Millar. His Grand Prix masterclass—clutch 144 checkout to seal van Veen’s demise—proves he’s focused, but Durrant’s warning highlights the off-oche battles ahead.

The Bigger Picture: Littler’s Empire and Darts’ Evolution
Littler’s split from ZXF—mutual and grateful—signals a power move for autonomy, especially as his PCOM risks (tied 58th, £21,000) force selective play. Humphries (£1.68M Order of Merit lead) and Rock remain threats, but Littler’s £1.5M+ earnings and Triple Crown cement his empire. Durrant’s surprise underscores the rarity: Most young stars cling to handlers, but Littler, post-elbow niggle, bets on self-reliance.

Fans on X erupted under #LittlerSolo: “Nuke managing himself? Bold—Eddie’s the pick!” Durrant’s take adds gravity: In darts’ golden era, “big advice” could be the difference between legend and liability.

As Littler eyes the £120,000 Grand Prix prize and 2026 Worlds defense, his “next step” promises fireworks—on and off the oche. Durrant’s surprise? Just the start of the conversation.