Liverpool fans Stephen Bunting and Jonny Clayton swapped the oche for Anfield last, helping raise money for a fantastic cause and supporting the incredible work the LFC Foundation does in the local community and beyond.

Both are huge names in their sport, both have enjoyed some incredible moments on the biggest stages, and both know what it means to perform under pressure, but this time it was ‘The Bullet’ who came out on top at the Reds’ beloved home. 

Dan spoke to them about their love of Liverpool, their careers in darts, the atmosphere at Anfield, and, of course, what it means to be involved in an evening like this.

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Stephen Bunting…

On the LFC Foundation: “The Foundation does fantastic work, and if I can support that in even a small way, I’m really happy to do so.

On a recent trip to Dortmund: “It was amazing. Obviously, it’s an 80,000-odd-seater stadium, and hearing everyone singing You’ll Never Walk Alone was quite touching.

“I still don’t think it was quite as good as hearing it at Anfield, though. It’s a slightly different version here! But it was a fantastic experience.

“We actually got to meet Maxi Beier and Joey Veerman as well. We had a game of darts with them, got to watch the match, and Maxi scored and gave me his match shirt.”

Darts v Football atmosphere: “I’m a little biased because darts has a fantastic atmosphere. When I do my walk-on, it’s an amazing feeling.

“But I don’t think there’s a better night or a better atmosphere than a European Cup game at Anfield.

“Everyone’s in great spirits, singing You’ll Never Walk Alone, and I’ve been lucky enough to experience some special moments over the last few years.

“I think the Barcelona game, when we came back and scored those four goals, was a particularly special atmosphere. That was probably one of the best I’ve ever experienced, to be honest.”

On making changes to mental approach: “I think you’re always looking for that extra percentage, whether that’s tinkering with your darts or going to see a psychologist or a hypnotist.

“I think that’s really important if you want longevity in your career, and it’s helped me massively over the last few years.

“There was a time when I was really down and out, almost. I always say this is Stephen Bunting 2.0. I’m back in the world’s top 10 and enjoying darts again.”

On the PDC World Championships: “We’re now at the back end of the season. We’ve got the Grand Slam and the Players Championship Finals before heading into the World Championship, so there aren’t many tournaments left.

“Obviously, all eyes are on Alexandra Palace. I’ve reached the semi-finals there twice before, so it would be great to go two steps further this time. Who knows?

“I’ll be working hard on the practice board behind the scenes to make sure I go there fully focused and try to come home with the title.”

On the Reds: “It’s nice to see Isak back on the scoresheet and looking a million dollars. Virgil has been brilliant too, with his assists and goals.

“I think we’re in a great place. We’ve also got players coming back from injury, and I think Araújo has looked a million dollars at right-back as well.

“Hopefully, we can get him signed up to a full contract next year!”

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Jonny Clayton…

On the event: “It’s brilliant. When I was asked to get involved, I was definitely up for it. I love things like this.

“I really enjoy raising money for charity. It’s a big thing for us, and you can speak to any darts player – we all support different charities and do our bit. To be part of the Liverpool Foundation is fantastic. I’m a Scouser myself, so I absolutely love it.

Favourite Liverpool player ever: “Do you know what? I loved Sadio Mané. I thought he was absolutely brilliant. Salah is up there as well, but there are loads of players you could mention. I just thought Mané was fantastic.”

Favourite current Liverpool player: “Ooh, that’s a good one. Szoboszlai has to be up there.

“Virgil has been brilliant as well. He’s so solid, and I really like watching Mac Allister play. I’ve got loads of favourites, but I think Szoboszlai is probably the one. There’s just something about him.”

On the current side: “We’ve made some big signings, and we’ve had a lot of injuries, but we’re still competing despite those setbacks.

“Players are starting to come back from injury. When Ekitike returns, I think he’s fantastic. That’s just one example. When players start coming back into the team, we’ve then got a problem deciding who to put on the pitch – but that’s a good problem to have!

“I think we’ll be alright. I’m a big fan, and I think you have to remember that you don’t win everything in sport. Sometimes you have to go through difficult periods, because when you do win, it makes it mean that much more. I think we’ll be okay.”

On the PDC World Championship: “Every trophy means a lot, but winning the World Championship is every player’s dream.

“It’s not just because of the trophy or the prestige of winning it. That million quid sounds pretty good as well, doesn’t it?

“I’ll take that! I’m not really interested in dust collectors like trophies, but I do like the million quid!”