I wish that’s all it was…’ – Manager hits out at Luke Littler’s belittling claim after parting ways with own agent

In a tense exchange that has cast a shadow over darts’ biggest story, Luke Littler’s former manager Martin Foulds has fired back at the teenager’s post-match quip suggesting he’s now “on my own,” calling it a “belittling” oversimplification of their five-year partnership. Foulds, founder of ZXF Management, responded with a pointed “I wish that’s all it was…” in a statement to Darts News on October 8, 2025, implying deeper frustrations behind the amicable split Littler announced just hours before his World Grand Prix victory. The 18-year-old world champion’s revelation—claiming self-management with “help from Garry at Target”—has sparked speculation about bad blood, contrasting his earlier gratitude for Foulds’ role in building his £1.5 million empire.

The Split and Littler’s Claim: From Gratitude to “On My Own”
Littler’s Instagram post on October 6 praised ZXF for “amazing times” over five years, crediting them for guiding him from 13-year-old prodigy to 2025 Triple Crown holder (World Championship, Premier League, World Matchplay). “As my career moves forward and the schedule gets busier, we’ve agreed it’s the right time for me to take the next step with new representation,” he wrote. The timing—pre-opener vs. Gian van Veen—seemed strategic, but his post-match Sky Sports interview flipped the script: “New what? I’m on my own. It’s just myself… I’m going to have help from Garry [Plummer] at Target as well.”

The casual dismissal landed like a poorly aimed dart, prompting Foulds’ retort: “I wish that’s all it was… Luke knows the full story, but belittling five years of hard work isn’t fair.” Sources close to ZXF suggest tensions arose from Littler’s push for a lighter 2026 schedule—fewer Pro Tour events for holidays with girlfriend Faith Millar—clashing with Foulds’ vision for maximizing endorsements (boohooMAN, Xbox, Target Darts). Littler’s elbow niggle and PCOM risks (tied 58th, £21,000) amplified the divide, with the teen favoring family input over agency structure.

Foulds’ Hit-Back: “Belittling Five Years of Hard Work”
Foulds, who also manages Nathan Aspinall and Chris Dobey, has been a darts mainstay since 2010, but Littler was his crown jewel—securing a PDC Tour Card at 16 and navigating the 2023/24 Worlds final frenzy. “We’ve had some amazing times,” Littler acknowledged, but Foulds feels the “on my own” line undermines their role in shielding him from trolls, handling his 2024 breakup with ex Eloise Milburn, and negotiating deals worth millions. “It’s not ‘just myself’—it’s a team effort that got him here,” Foulds told Darts News. “I wish that’s all it was… but the reality is more complex.”

The “belittling” jab hints at unresolved issues, perhaps over Littler’s selective Germany ProTour skips (all eight in Hildesheim) or his retirement prank video for EA Sports FC 26, which Foulds reportedly advised against. Littler’s tease of a “massive” new direction—speculated as Modus Sports (Phil Taylor’s ex-agency) or Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom—fuels the narrative of a power grab, but Foulds insists it’s mutual: “We wish Luke the best; he’s earned his choices.”

Littler’s Grand Prix Glory: Timing Adds Spice
Littler’s split revelation came amid his 2-0 sets win over van Veen (3-1, 3-2), where he averaged 105.58 against the Dutchman’s record 106.47—the highest Grand Prix average ever. The victory, his first in the double-in/double-out format, silenced doubters and boosted his PCOM (tied 58th), but Foulds’ response overshadowed the triumph. “Luke’s playing the best darts of his life,” Foulds conceded, “but management isn’t just wins—it’s the unseen grind.”

Fan and Expert Divide: Bad Blood or Bold Move?
Social media split on #LittlerSplit: Fans praised his independence (“Nuke bossing his empire—respect!”), while others worried: “Belittling Martin? That’s cold after ZXF built him.” Wayne Mardle called it “surprising,” echoing Durrant’s shock: “He’ll need big advice for those contracts.” Littler’s “on my own” bravado—post a 144 checkout—speaks to his confidence, but Foulds’ “I wish” hints at a messier breakup than admitted.

As Littler faces De Decker or Wright next in the £120,000 hunt, the split’s fallout could distract. Foulds’ hit-back isn’t sour grapes—it’s a reminder: Darts’ golden boy didn’t build his throne alone. For Littler, the next step is massive; for Foulds, it’s closure on a legend’s launchpad.