1 week Ago By Lee Davey
Darts star Cameron Menzies will continue his day job while competing at the Grand Slam of Darts. Menzies booked his place in the group stage of the event despite suffering a 5-1 defeat to Beau Greaves on Monday. The 35-year-old was also beaten by Danny Noppert, however his 5-2 victory over Martin Schindler on Saturday was enough to see him advance on legs won.
But before he takes to the oche again on Wednesday, Menzies must complete a day’s graft in his other line of work. From Tuesday to Thursday he works as a plumber but has recently signed a new contract on reduced hours with his employers to accommodate his budding darts career. "I've just signed a new contract with them,” Menzies told Sky Sports after sealing his spot in the second round at the Grand Slam of Darts.
"I've changed my hours so I'm working three days a week now instead of five days which is a lot better for me. "I asked the office and they were happy to do it - I just had to go to HR. They've been massively helpful with me.
" He continued: "I don't work Monday and Fridays now but I'm back to work tomorrow no matter what happens. "It's a bit different being here than it is being with a toolbag. "Tuesday, Wednesday I'm in [work], hopefully depending how results go but yeah I'm in Tuesday and Wednesday.
"I'm meant to be going to a gig Thursday in Glasgow but hopefully I don't make it." Menzies was born in Scotland but now resides in Milton Keynes with partner and fellow darts star Fallon Sherrock. Incredibly, the pair could face off against each other at next month’s world championships if they are drawn together in the opening round.
Menzies is hoping that success on the darts scene will eventually lead to him putting his work tools away for good. "If I start doing more exhibitions and stuff I do think I might have to make a choice,” he said. Menzies dual career sparks memories of another star who combined a family business with the glitz and glamour of professional sport.
Former England captain Stuart Pearce was an electrician by trade but went on to achieve great things with Nottingham Forest and the Three Lions. Pearce, who was managed by Brian Clough during his time at the City Ground, had returned from international duty to find out that Clough had seen an advertisement for his family business on page nine of the club’s matchday programme. Clough was irked by what he had seen but not for the reasons many might think and subsequently held Pearce to account.
The legendary manager took a broken iron into the dressing room in a bag and told his captain he had seen the advert and asked him to explain. Pearce responded by telling Clough that the family business was still up and running despite his success as a footballer. In typical Clough fashion, he replied: “If Barbara, my wife is home now and she calls that phone number because the light bulb has gone out, you’re not coming are you?” Pearce answered: “No, my brother is.
” The then Forest boss turned to the rest of the players and said: “Lads, our captains a fraud, he's not coming.” He continued: “As a matter of fact, Barbara’s iron’s f****d and if it's not mended, you’re not in the team on Saturday, son.” Pearce took the iron, fixed it, and it was as good as new and on Clough’s desk by Saturday morning.
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