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Olly Croft

Oliver Albert Croft (17 November 1929 – 23 November 2019) was a British businessman and administrator renowned for founding the (BDO) in 1973, which professionalized and globalized the sport of . Born in to a tiler, Croft served as an in the Royal Air Force during before establishing a successful kitchen tile company, Croft Brothers, that achieved an annual turnover of £2 million. Croft's involvement in darts began in 1967 when he joined a team in the London , leading him to co-found the in alongside 12 others, including his wife , from his home in . Under his leadership as secretary and later chairman, the expanded rapidly, establishing inter-county leagues that grew from a handful of teams to nearly 70 counties, creating an national side, and launching the involving 64 countries. He co-founded the (WDF) in 1976 and introduced major tournaments, including the World Masters in 1974 and the first in 1978. Croft partnered with in 1973 to supply official dartboards and sponsored events like the Winmau World Masters from 1976 to 2018, while advocating for the term ""—the line behind which players stand—to be added to the . Croft's efforts brought darts to mainstream television on BBC and ITV in the 1970s and 1980s, elevating it to rival in popularity and creating stars such as , John Lowe, and . However, his tenure was marked by controversy, particularly the 1992 "" when 16 top players formed the World Darts Council (WDC, now PDC), prompting Croft to impose lifetime bans and pursue legal action, which the ultimately lost in 1997, resulting in ongoing rivalry between the organizations. He was voted off the board in 2011 after 38 years but remained Honorary President of the WDF. In 2004, Croft received the for services to , dedicating it to , who died in 2003; he was survived by two sons and two daughters, one son having predeceased him. Croft died of on 23 November 2019 at age 90.

Early life and career

Childhood and youth

Oliver Albert Croft was born on 17 November 1929 in to Oliver Croft, a tiler, and his wife May Gladys (née Robinson). He was the eldest son in the family, growing up in the area alongside his siblings. Croft's early family life was marked by tragedy when his mother died while giving birth to his youngest brother, Colin. His father remarried Jessie, but the stepmother's strict discipline led to tensions; Croft often rebelled, enduring beatings and periods of confinement under the stairs. The outbreak of the Second World War in 1939 brought evacuation for Croft and his siblings from , an experience that provided relief from the harsh household environment. Wartime disruptions, including air raids and relocation, though details of his specific evacuation destination remain undocumented in primary accounts.

Military service and business ventures

Following the end of , Olly Croft completed his as an electrician in the Royal Air Force. After completing his service in the late , Croft entered the business world by founding Croft Brothers (London) Ltd., a specializing in kitchen tile manufacturing and sales. Established in the 1950s, the firm began operations in , , focusing on producing and distributing tiles for domestic kitchens amid the housing boom. Croft Brothers expanded rapidly, opening a second showroom in Bushey Heath, Hertfordshire, to reach broader markets in the . By the , the company had achieved an annual turnover of £2 million, reflecting successful scaling through efficient production and targeted sales strategies. Family members played key roles: Croft's wife, , handled the accounts, while their sons , , and , along with daughter Lesley, contributed to operations, fostering a collaborative approach. The success of Croft Brothers honed Croft's administrative and abilities, as he navigated growth, employee coordination, and challenges. His hands-on style—described as even amid disagreements—demonstrated the organizational acumen that would later define his professional endeavors.

Entry into darts

Beginning as a player

Olly Croft's introduction to darts occurred in 1961, when he began playing at the Harringay Arms pub in Crouch Hill, . At the time, darts was primarily a casual , and Croft quickly developed an interest in the sport as a recreational pursuit. By 1967, Croft had joined his first formal darts team in the London Super League, a prominent competition, marking a deeper commitment to the game. This involvement ignited a strong passion for , leading him to play matches seven nights a week alongside his local league commitments. His enjoyment stemmed from the competitive camaraderie of and league play, which provided a thrilling outlet for his energetic personality. Throughout this period, Croft balanced his growing enthusiasm for with the demands of running his successful kitchen tile company, which had expanded to a £2 million annual turnover. The stability of his business allowed him dedicated leisure time for the , integrating it seamlessly into his daily life without compromising his professional responsibilities.

Initial organizational involvement

Following his entry into competitive darts as a player, Olly Croft quickly transitioned into organizational roles within local leagues, beginning with the London Super League in 1967. Upon joining a team in this prominent competition, he became actively involved in its administration, leveraging his to streamline operations and enhance event coordination. This hands-on experience ignited his passion for governance in the sport. Through these activities, Croft gained recognition in regional circles. In a 1973 account, darts writer Tom Barrett described Croft as "the most dynamic figure in ," highlighting his energy in transforming local . By the early , this reputation positioned him as a key advocate for structured governance at the level.

Founding the

Establishment of the BDO

The (BDO) was established to address the fragmentation and decline in organised across Britain, where the existing National Darts Association of Great Britain (NDAGB) had proven ineffective in promoting the nationally and improving its media visibility. Olly Croft, drawing on his prior experience in local darts organisation in , recognised the need for a dedicated to unify county-level efforts and elevate from a pub-based pastime to a structured competitive . The inaugural meeting took place on 7 January 1973 at Croft's home on Creighton Avenue in , , following preliminary discussions with interested parties in 1971 and 1972. Organisers from various regions across the country were invited by Croft, resulting in a group of 13 founders, including his wife Lorna Croft, who played a significant supportive role. Other key initial supporters included figures such as Sam Hawkins and Jim Sweeney, who contributed to the early leadership. This assembly marked the formal creation of the , with the group deciding to operate independently of the NDAGB to foster growth. At the meeting, the name "" was adopted, and a basic constitution was outlined, emphasising the establishment of an inter-county league as a foundational step to standardise competitions and affiliations among county teams. Croft was appointed as secretary from the outset, later becoming chairman, leveraging his to drive the organisation's immediate direction. The initial membership comprised a small handful of county teams, providing the core base for national coordination.

Early structure and affiliations

Following the establishment of the (BDO) in 1973, Olly Croft, as its secretary, oversaw the development of its foundational administrative framework in the mid-1970s, beginning with the formation of core committees composed of the initial members, including his wife Lorna Croft, who served as an early administrator handling operational support from their home. These early committees focused on unifying disparate regional groups and ensuring the BDO served as a central body for player representation and event coordination. A key element of this structure was the establishment of inter-county leagues and county championships, starting with a small handful of county teams in 1973 to build a robust domestic base for talent development and regional rivalries. Complementing this, the developed standardized rules in the , building on prior associations by formalizing aspects such as the distance at 7 feet 9¼ inches and the promotion of dartboards for all major leagues and competitions, which helped professionalize the sport. Player rankings were also introduced within the BDO to systematically evaluate and select competitors for national and international events, providing a merit-based system for emerging professionals. For international ties, the affiliated with the newly formed (WDF) in 1976, with Croft serving as a co-founder alongside figures like Stanley Lowy and Barry Twomlow, and taking on the role of WDF Secretary General to coordinate global representation. This partnership enabled early events like the and Cup, positioning the as the sport's leading national authority. Initial funding came from sponsors such as (then Kicks Bros.), which in 1973 secured a deal with Croft to supply official dartboards for all events, marking the first major commercial endorsement and featuring the logo in promotions as the recognized governing supplier.

Expansion and peak of darts under BDO

The darts boom

The darts boom of the late 1970s and early 1980s transformed the sport from a pub pastime into a major televised spectacle, largely through the efforts of the (BDO) under Olly Croft's leadership. Croft, as BDO founder and managing director, secured early television deals that elevated ' visibility, beginning with ITV's coverage of the inaugural Winmau World Masters in 1974, which marked a pivotal step in professionalizing the game. This was followed by broader broadcasting on ITV's from 1973, featuring pub games including , and BBC's highlights of the first BDO in 1978, drawing millions of viewers and rivaling football in popularity by the early 1980s. Participation surged dramatically during this era, fueled by BDO initiatives that standardized rules and expanded grassroots structures. By 1979, approximately 2 million people played competitively three to four times weekly, with another 3 million participating regularly and 2 million annually, reflecting a nationwide explosion in leagues and county associations coordinated by the . Croft's establishment of inter-county championships and an international further drove this growth, turning local play into structured competitions that attracted diverse participants across social classes. Media exposure on and amplified the sport's appeal, with commentators like and innovative features such as split-screen technology during 1980s broadcasts making stars of players like and , who became household names akin to celebrities. This coverage, peaking with 8 million viewers for the 1979 , not only boosted public interest but also secured economic gains through sponsorships from brands like and Embassy, which funded rising prize money and professional contracts. Croft played a central role in promoting darts as a legitimate professional sport, founding the in 1976 to govern international play and emphasizing commercial viability over amateur roots. His vision professionalized the as a entity, attracting brewery sponsors and elevating prize pots, though he maintained a firm stance on self-sufficiency, stating, “It’s like your children... We don’t owe anyone a living.” This era's success, built on Croft's organizational acumen, cemented ' status as a high-profile before challenges emerged later.

Major events and achievements

Under Olly Croft's leadership, the (BDO) launched the World Masters tournament in 1974, marking the first major international event organized by the governing body. Initially sponsored by Phonogram, it featured 22 players from various nations and was won by England's Cliff Inglis, who defeated Scotland's Harry Heenan 3-2 in the final. became the title sponsor from 1975 onward, transforming it into the Winmau World Masters, which quickly established itself as an annual showcase of top talent and grew to include representatives from over a dozen countries by the late 1970s, drawing significant television audiences and solidifying ' appeal as a . A pivotal achievement came in 1978 with the inauguration of the BDO World Professional Championship, the first official world title event in history, held at the Heart of the Midlands Nightclub in . The tournament adopted a straight knockout format played in legs (the only year without sets), attracting 16 professional players and culminating in Welshman defeating England's John Lowe 11-7 in legs in the final to claim the £1,000 prize. Subsequent early editions highlighted the event's growing prestige, with sets introduced in 1979: John Lowe won in 1979 by beating Wales's 5-0 in sets, while triumphed in 1980 against England's 5-4 in sets, establishing the championship as ' premier competition and fostering rivalries that boosted the sport's popularity. Croft's vision extended globally through his instrumental role in founding the (WDF) in 1976 alongside representatives from 14 nations, serving as its secretary-general and promoting international standardization. The WDF's inaugural in 1977, held in , saw defeat to win the overall team event, with the competition expanding annually to include pairs, singles, and overall team events across member countries. Further achievements included the establishment of the WDF Europe Cup in 1978 (with women's events added in 1982), which dominated in its early years, and the creation of a worldwide Super League involving up to 64 countries by the mid-1980s, enhancing ' reach in regions like and . Among Croft's key innovations were the introduction of professional contracts for top in the late , providing and elevating the sport's , alongside efforts in global outreach through WDF affiliations that grew membership to over 50 nations by the . These developments, including secured television deals with and , not only professionalized BDO tournaments but also positioned as a viable pursuit during its peak era.

Decline and the major split

Economic bust and internal tensions

Following the peak of darts' popularity in the early , the experienced a significant downturn by the mid-1980s, marked by a sharp decline in television viewership and sponsorship opportunities. Broadcasters like the and , which had previously provided extensive coverage, began reducing or eliminating televised tournaments as audience interest waned, with viewership peaking around before steadily falling. This erosion of media exposure was compounded by the 's tarnished public image, often portrayed as an activity tied to excessive and , which deterred advertisers and sponsors seeking more polished associations. The (BDO) faced mounting financial strains as a result, including substantial reductions in that affected players' earnings and the organization's operational budget. With sponsorship revenues drying up and television deals diminishing, the BDO struggled to maintain the high prize pots that had characterized the sport's boom years, leading to cuts that strained player morale and participation. Broader societal shifts exacerbated these issues, such as evolving pub culture where traditional venues increasingly converted to restaurants or faced closures amid changing social habits, diminishing ' grassroots foundation in local leagues. Additionally, intensified competition from rising sports like and diverted audiences and media resources, further isolating from mainstream attention. Internal tensions within the intensified during this period, particularly over player payments and governance structures, as top professionals grew frustrated with the organization's inability to adapt to the economic challenges. Disagreements arose as players demanded reforms to boost revenues and improve professional standards, but BDO leadership, including chairman Olly Croft, resisted major changes, viewing them as threats to the sport's traditional ethos. In response to the financial pressures, Croft implemented cost-cutting measures to stabilize the BDO, such as streamlining operations and reducing expenditures on events, though these steps provided only temporary relief amid ongoing revenue shortfalls.

Formation of the PDC and fallout

In January 1992, sixteen top professional players, including former BDO World Champions Phil Taylor, John Lowe, , and , announced the formation of the World Darts Council (WDC)—later renamed the (PDC)—to address frustrations with the 's limited televised events and stagnant prize money, which they believed stifled the sport's growth and players' earnings. The group, supported by promoters Tommy Cox and Dick Allix, aimed to create a rival organization that prioritized professional opportunities and higher financial rewards, reflecting broader discontent among elite players who felt the under Olly Croft's leadership was not investing sufficiently in the sport's commercial potential. Tensions escalated throughout 1992 and into 1993 as the WDC organized its initial independent tournaments, beginning with the Lada UK Masters in October 1992, won by Mike Gregory, followed by two more regional events broadcast on UK television. In response, Croft and the BDO executive, viewing the WDC as a direct threat to their authority, famously declared that the organization owed no players a living and refused demands for more guaranteed televised matches or prize fund increases. By April 1993, after these WDC events demonstrated viability outside BDO control, the BDO governing body voted to impose a worldwide ban on the dissenting players, prohibiting them from all BDO-sanctioned competitions, including local county darts leagues, in an effort to quash the rebellion and reassert dominance. The bans triggered immediate acrimony, with the WDC launching its flagship World Matchplay tournament in July 1994 at Blackpool's Winter Gardens, won by American Larry Butler, marking the start of a parallel professional circuit that drew top talent away from the . Public and media reaction was overwhelmingly critical of Croft's hardline stance, portraying the BDO as authoritarian and out of touch, while sympathizing with the players' push for better pay and visibility in a facing post-boom decline; outlets highlighted the split as a revolt against mismanagement, fueling debates on ' future governance.

Later involvement and exit from BDO

Post-split role in darts governance

Following the 1992 split that led to the formation of the World Darts Council (WDC, later the Professional Darts Corporation or PDC), Olly Croft continued as managing director and chairman of the British Darts Organisation (BDO), steering its operations toward grassroots and amateur development while navigating the resulting schism in professional darts. Under his leadership, the BDO emphasized its role as the custodian of non-professional darts, prioritizing county-level competitions, youth programs, and international expansion through affiliations with emerging national federations via the World Darts Federation (WDF), which Croft had helped establish in 1976. This focus aimed to stabilize the organization amid sponsor withdrawals and reduced television exposure, fostering growth in regions like Europe and North America where professional play was less dominant. A pivotal legal resolution came in 1997 with the Tomlin Order, a court-sanctioned agreement that ended a four-year dispute between the and WDC. The order compelled the to lift its bans on WDC players—stemming from the initial 1992 fallout—and formally recognize the WDC as a legitimate entity, permitting darts professionals to participate in events from both organizations without restriction. This settlement, while averting further litigation, did not heal the divide, as Croft maintained a firm separation between the 's amateur-oriented structure and the PDC's commercial model. Croft's approach drew significant criticism for prolonging the fragmentation of and preventing a unified , with detractors accusing him of authoritarian control that stifled the sport's overall progress. Figures within the PDC, including chairman , highlighted Croft's refusal to engage in reconciliation talks, describing the ongoing rivalry as "ridiculous" and detrimental to unified governance. To counter the PDC's rising prominence, the under Croft adapted by bolstering its event portfolio with targeted tournaments, such as enhanced international qualifiers and specialized amateur showcases, to sustain relevance among non-professional players and global affiliates. Amid these professional challenges, Croft faced personal hardship with the death of his wife, , in 2003; she had been a supportive figure in BDO operations, including administrative roles that aided the organization's early international outreach.

Removal from the board

On 7 August 2011, Olly Croft was voted off the board of the (BDO) during its annual general meeting, marking the end of his 38-year tenure as a central figure in the organization he founded in 1973. The removal stemmed from mounting governance disputes and demands for modernization within the , as articulated in an from a group known as the "Gang of Five"—comprising Barry Gilbey, , , Sue Getty, and Derek Weston—sent to BDO counties ahead of the AGM. The letter criticized Croft's leadership for inadequate support of youth and women's , poor communication with member counties, declining sponsorships, outdated tournament equipment, and ineffective marketing strategies amid competition from the (PDC). Immediate reactions in the darts community highlighted the significance of Croft's departure, with his long service viewed as a milestone in professionalizing and globalizing the sport, though his autocratic style had long drawn criticism. Croft himself later reflected on the ousting, stating, "People didn't always agree with me, but I got things done," underscoring the internal tensions that had simmered since the 1990s split with the PDC. Media coverage portrayed the vote as a pivotal shift toward , with the new board—including the Gang of Five members and Vic Sexton—elected to address these issues. Following the removal, Croft ceased his role as BDO tournament director, transitioning to a reduced involvement in the organization's operations as the new leadership took over, though he remained a symbolic figure in governance for a time. He continued as Honorary President of the WDF until his death.

Death and legacy

Final years and passing

Following his removal from the board in 2011, Croft continued to contribute to the sport as Honorary President of the (WDF), a role he held until 2019. In this capacity, he provided guidance on international matters, including the promotion of global events like the , which he had helped establish decades earlier. Despite advancing age, Croft remained engaged with the WDF, as evidenced by public acknowledgments of his leadership shortly before his death. Croft's public appearances became increasingly limited in his later years, though he kept a watchful eye on developments in both the and PDC. After the death of his wife, , in 2003, he devoted more time to family life in , where he had long resided; he was predeceased by son Paul in 2015 and survived by two sons and two daughters. In his final months, Croft's health declined, leading to his death from on 23 November 2019, just six days after his 90th birthday, while watching a Tottenham Hotspur football match. His funeral took place on 13 December 2019 at St Marylebone Crematorium in . Family tributes highlighted Croft's personal dedication and vision. His son reflected that Croft aimed to bring entertainment to everyday pub players and praised Lorna's pivotal support as the "godmother of world darts."

Honors and lasting impact

In 2004, Olly Croft was awarded the (OBE) in the for his services to . This recognition highlighted his foundational role in elevating the sport from a pub pastime to a structured, televised profession, a contribution acknowledged by organizations like the (BDO), which credited him in 2005 for developing systems that supported at grassroots and international levels. Croft is widely regarded as a pioneer in professionalizing , having founded the in 1973 and the (WDF) in 1976 to promote global standards and competition. His efforts contributed to the 's operation and longevity post-1990s challenges until its collapse in 2020, during which it sustained a role in amateur and international events, while the WDF under his influence expanded worldwide, serving as the sport's primary international . Following the 's administration in 2020, the WDF assumed responsibility for many of its events, continuing Croft's vision for international . However, Croft faced criticism for his handling of the 1993 schism with the (PDC), where his authoritarian approach and bans on dissenting players were blamed for fracturing the sport's unity and sparking protracted legal disputes that hindered overall growth. Upon his death in 2019, tributes poured in from players, organizations, and media, emphasizing his enduring influence. The PDC described him as a "key figure in the development of ," while former world champions like Phil Taylor and lauded his passion and foundational impact. The WDF hailed him as a "great inspiration," and outlets like noted the darts community's immense respect for his role in making the sport accessible and popular.

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