Phil Taylor will get new job after darts retirement however admits he has injured ‘physique aged 90’

Darts legend Phil Taylor is gearing up for a return to the sport – but he won’t be playing.

On November 8 and 9, the World Senior Darts Tour is set to hit Washington in the North East, with Taylor taking on media duties for the weekend as a commentator. The 16-time World Champion had been set to take part in the event for former pros over the age of 50, but had to pull out due to an injury.

Speaking to the Northern Echo, Taylor explained how tearing some scar tissue left him feeling worse that a recent hip operation he underwent. Taylor said: “I tore what you call your scar tissue doing a little bit of work too quick.”

The legendary darts star, who is excited for the event in Washington added: “I think the Seniors will push on now some of the older names are beginning to drop down the rankings I think they’ll come over.”

And he also detailed just how much he enjoyed playing in the North East, revealing he nearly bought a house in Cullercoats, a borough in North Tyneside, just under 10 miles from Newcastle’s city centre.

“I used to love playing in the North East. I used to stay at Whitley Bay at one time in the guest houses there,” Taylor added. “The North East people are salt of the earth, aren’t they? All Northerners are!”

“Cullercoats I fell in love with. I nearly bought a house there. I love Cullercoats I thought it was beautiful. Back then, a nice house on the front of the beach was about £150,000. I think it’s about 500 and odd thousand now, I wish I’d have bought 10!”

However, there is also no doubt in Taylor’s mind about retiring. The 63-year-old told talkSPORT back in October: “I’m retired now, properly retired.

“My eyes started going a few years ago then my hip went and then the travelling. You’re away from home four-five days a week and it’s good for money but it’s not good for your family. My mind is still in my teens but my body is 90.

“How did I keep going? If I won a players championship that paid for the food bills. Every tournament was about paying the bills.

“Has there been a better marketed sport in last decade? They (the fans) don’t just have a little bit of fun, they have a lot of fun. It’s fantastic.”