Luke Humphries wants a popular darts star back in the Premier League for the 'banter'.
The 2026 Premier League Darts line-up included two debutants in Gian van Veen, who reached the 2026 World Darts Championship final against Luke Littler, and Josh Rock, who produced a stunning nine-darter in Belfast on Night Four.
Rock entered the Premier League Darts as a wildcard alongside Jonny Clayton, Stephen Bunting and Gerwyn Price.
While Littler, Humphries, the aforementioned Van Veen and Michael van Gerwen earned their spots as the current top four players in the world rankings.
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Several big-name players missed out on selection, including Nathan Aspinall, who was involved in last year's competition.
And Humphries is missing Aspinall's 'banter' backstage.
He called the Stockport player one of his 'best mates on tour' and is missing his energy in and around the venues.
"I don’t think there is unprofound banter behind the stage where we are going absolutely mental," he said.
"I think you need Nathan Aspinall for that. I miss him so much in the back room because he’s full of life and he’s good fun.
"He is one of my best mates on tour. When you do not get him there, it is a harder environment for everyone to have that banter.
"Luke (Littler) keeps himself to himself, so he doesn’t get too involved in it. I am always a part of it and Van Gerwen always starts it.
"For me it is a good environment; you are enjoying it and having fun. When you are on the stage, it is all business."
Nathan Aspinall: 'I found out about Premier League Darts snub via text'
Aspinall finished third in last year's Premier League Darts final standings, meaning he reached Finals Night in London.
But he was beaten by eventual winner Humphries and wasn't invited to this year's campaign.
Aspinall found out via a text message while sat next to Bunting.
"The only difference that was hard this year was that we were at an event and I was travelling with Stephen Bunting on a plane and he got a text message at 3.15pm saying he was in, I got a text at 3.21pm saying I wasn't in," he revealed.
"It was a difficult travel home. Matt Porter explained the reasons why I wasn't in."
The 34-year-old added: "I felt like I backdoored it last year, I probably didn't deserve it last year.
"I felt like I deserved it this year if I did get it. You take the rough with the smooth, I am not dwelling on it.
"I haven't put anything on social media because I can't be bothered with people jumping on it.
"I have accepted the decision, we move forward, and it gives me the hunger and fight to not miss out again."
Topics: Luke Humphries, Darts
Nasir Jabbar