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Unicorn’s ‘Amarillo Man’ faces a crucial night as he steps up his bid to qualify for finals day in Plymouth at the end of May.

He faces an all-Unicorn clash against Colin Lloyd, then takes on ‘The Rocket’ Ronnie Baxter.

Manley is also hoping to silence the boo-boys. “It has been a shame because the football element of the crowds have started to get personal. I know it isn’t the real darts fans but one of two things are being said, which are out or order,” he said.

‘One-Dart’ has been wowing the fans with his Amarillo walk-on for a year and some of the tirades are getting personal.

Manley said: “I don’t mind if there is a smile behind it all. If it is good-natured banter, that’s great but I haven’t got a bad bone in my body. Also, I doubt very much that the other players would be able to cope with some of the stuff hurled in my direction.”

He added: “I will just get on with it and get on with winning darts matches and climbing up the Premier League table.”

Manley recorded his first victory in Aberdeen a fortnight ago, beating Wayne Mardle and he feels his form is improving all the time. He reached the semi-finals of the Vauxhall Classic at Great Yarmouth last weekend – beating Unicorn stablemate Adrian Lewis along the way – before losing to Erik Clarys.

“I am getting there,” he admitted. “Since the World Championship Final, I have been up there at all the tournaments – reaching the last 16, quarter and semi-finals, so I know my form is good.”

The match against Lloyd is crucial. Unicorn’s World No.1 has only won one match – and that was against Manley in Sunderland.

That night, Lloyd played through the pain of a back injury to beat Manley 8 legs to 6. “He hardly missed a double,” said Manley. “ I had chances to win at least a point but didn’t take them. I have to be more clinical.”

Manley is still busy in his role as chairman of the Professional Darts Players Association – a job he still enjoys. “It is purely voluntary,” he said. “and despite all the time it takes up, it is still satisfying to look after the interests of over 300 members.”

Phil Taylor kicks-off night four of the 2006 Premier League looking for a double over Wayne Mardle and looking to extend his lead at the top of the table.

Raymond Van Barneveld isn’t involved because he is tied to another engagement, which was set in stone before he switched over to the PDC.

Mardle also plays twice. He is still looking for his first points and may get them against Roland Scholten.

All the action from Wolverhampton is live on Sky Sports and as always, there will be a report and reaction on the Unicorn website.

By Stuart Pyke