Stephen Bunting Shares a Touching Moment with Isaac Kearney—and a Powerful Lesson from His Parents

In the whirlwind of media obligations and the high-octane atmosphere of Premier League Darts, Stephen Bunting found a moment to pause—and it turned into one of the most heartfelt highlights of his day.

Amidst the cameras and questions, the 40-year-old darts star carved out a quiet pocket of time to spend with a young fan, Isaac Kearney. But this wasn’t just a casual meet-and-greet. For Bunting, it was something far more profound.

“Lots of media duties today,” Bunting shared, “but had time to take a break and spend time with this small superstar, Isaac Kearney. What an absolute credit to his parents. A real pleasure to have met you, young man.”

That brief encounter sparked admiration and reflection. Bunting, a seasoned professional known for his competitive edge and emotional honesty, was clearly moved—not only by Isaac’s charisma but by the upbringing that shaped him. In just a short time, it became evident that Isaac carried qualities that speak volumes about the love, values, and care instilled by his parents.

In a world where public figures often spotlight wins and losses, Bunting’s heartfelt words offered something deeper: a reminder that behind every remarkable child is often a story of strong parenting.

His tribute to Isaac’s parents wasn’t just a passing compliment—it was a powerful affirmation that in raising children with character and confidence, parents are the true unsung heroes.

Moments like this show the human side of sports—the connections that form off the stage, away from the lights. For Bunting, it was more than a break from media—it was a memory worth holding onto.

In Isaac, he saw not just a young fan, but a reflection of great parenting. And in sharing that moment, Bunting reminded us all of the importance of raising kind, respectful, and bright young minds. Sometimes, it’s not the trophies or the titles that define a legacy—it’s the people we impact and the hearts we touch along the way.

Stephen Bunting Prepares for Emotional Premier League Darts Return in Liverpool

Stephen Bunting is set for an emotional night in Liverpool as he returns to the Premier League Darts stage on Thursday—almost a decade after his last full campaign. But the 40-year-old insists: “I want to win, not cry.”

Back in 2015, Stephen Bunting’s last regular Premier League appearance ended in a heavy defeat to Phil Taylor—a moment that left a lasting impact on him. Now, with lessons learned and confidence renewed, the St Helens native is ready to take centre stage in his home city once again.

“I’ve dreamt of coming back ever since that night,” Bunting said in a pre-match press conference. “I played as a challenger in 2020, but this is different. I wanted to be back as a full Premier League player—and here I am.”

Bunting has had his sights set on the Liverpool fixture ever since the Premier League lineup was announced. It’s not just another match—this is personal.

“Playing Phil Taylor in Liverpool all those years ago, I put so much pressure on myself. I was nervous, I got hammered. But I’ve learned a lot since then.”

Those lessons have been hard-earned.

Stephen Bunting endured a difficult start to this year’s campaign, spending the first eight weeks without a single match win. But the numbers tell a deeper story—he averaged over 100 in five of those matches and has recently picked up form with a night win in Berlin and a finals appearance in Rotterdam.

A New Mindset, A New Song

Now, he’s not only changed his game but also his mindset. Gone is the pressure and self-doubt. Bunting says he’s removed the weight from his shoulders and is simply enjoying the ride.

“I’ve taken all the pressure off myself. The points might not reflect it, but my performances do. I’m aiming to be part of next year’s Premier League as well—I’m world No. 4 and just enjoying the experience.”

Symbolic of this change is his new walk-on song: Titanium—his son’s favourite track and a powerful anthem of strength and resilience.

“It’s emotional. It means something to me now. That’s why you see the emotion when I walk on stage.”

Liverpool Crowd: Pressure or Power?

Playing in front of a home crowd can either lift or overwhelm a player. And Bunting is aware of both possibilities.

“I’ve done hypnotherapy. I’m calmer now. But it will still be emotional—friends, family, the Liverpool crowd. I just need to stay focused. I want to win, not cry.”

Darts pundits are keeping a close eye on how he handles it. On the Love the Darts podcast, Laura Turner said:

“It could go either way. Bunting has been emotional before. He just needs to stay in control.”

Commentator Chris Murphy added:

“Liverpool are heading toward a Premier League title. The crowd will be electric. It might get emotional before a dart is even thrown.”

The Dream Lives On

For Bunting, Thursday night is more than just another match—it’s the culmination of years of hard work, setbacks, and personal growth. And if he wins, it won’t just be for the points—it’ll be for every dart thrown in pursuit of a dream.

“The will to win has never been stronger. Every time I lose, I learn. That’s important.”

Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister has been linked with a move to Real Madrid in the summer window.

Last Monday, Marca journalist José Félix Díaz stated the 26-year-old is a target for Real Madrid.

A day later, Díaz said the Liverpool star is ahead of Real Sociedad’s Martín Zubimendi in Real Madrid’s list.

TyC Sports journalist Gastón Edul had a chat with the Argentina international and asked him about the recent reports of the La Liga side’s interest. Mac Allister is aware of these links and doesn’t want to get distracted.

“I read the rumours and the news reaches me, but the important thing is the present. No matter how much the club loves me, if I play poorly this weekend, they’ll lose interest,” he said.

Earlier this month, the World Cup winner’s father, Carlos, stated he won’t leave the Reds anytime soon. The player now insists he’s happy at Anfield, where he has a contract until 2028.

“I’m fine at Liverpool and I don’t have any need. So, I have a lot of respect for the club, and I don’t think it’s necessary to talk about other clubs,” Mac Allister explained.

The South American midfielder has also talked about his day-to-day life in England.

“I’m a little far away, so some fans greet you with respect, but in the city, they are more passionate. The club is like a family. One phrase sums it all up: You’ll never walk alone,” he added.

Mac Allister has been a regular for Liverpool since joining them from Brighton & Hove Albion in June 2023. He’s on the verge of winning his first title with the Merseyside club this season.

Arsenal, currently in second spot, face Crystal Palace later today and a defeat against the Eagles will see Liverpool mathematically clinch the title.

Mo Salah sends Liverpool fans into overdrive with post about Trent Alexander-Arnold

Mohamed Salah’s latest social media post about Trent Alexander-Arnold has sent Liverpool fans wild.

On Sunday, Liverpool moved one step closer to the Premier League title after a hard-fought win over Leicester City.

The Reds had to rely on second-half substitute Alexander-Arnold, who scored in the 76th minute to seal a vital 1-0 win

Alexander-Arnold has been in the headlines this season because as things stand, he will leave Anfield on a free transfer upon the expiration of his contract this summer.

After the likes of Salah and Virgil van Dijk penned new deals in recent weeks, there are doubts over whether the full-back would do the same.

Over the weekend, some Liverpool fans harboured hopes of Alexander-Arnold extending his stay at Anfield after seeing how he celebrated his goal against Leicester.

Usually, Liverpool talisman Salah would post a selfie with the goalscorer on his social media after a victory.

However, many fans felt the Egyptian aimed a clear dig at Alexander-Arnold after he simply posted a picture of himself on the back of the win over Leicester.

On Wednesday morning, Mo Salah sent Liverpool fans wild as he finally posted a selfie with Alexander-Arnold, which has since been flooded with replies.

One fan said: “Coffee bar post-match selfie is an exciting new addition to the genre, well worth the wait.”

Another tweeted: “Trent is staying.”

A third fan added: “Why did it take three days to take this selfie with Trent?”

Someone else wrote: “DID HE SIGNED THE CONTRACT?”

A fifth commented: “MO???? WHAT ARE YOU TELLING US?”

Another fan added: “I like this. Would’ve liked a selfie while Trent signed the contract a tad more though.”

When asked about his future on Sunday, Alexander-Arnold said: “I’ve said all season I’m not going to speak on my situation. I’m not going to go into details. But days like these are always special.

“Scoring goals, winning games and being close to winning titles are special moments that will live with me forever. I’m glad to be part of it.”

Liverpool now only require three points from their remaining five matches to seal the Premier League title.

Nobody Saw This Coming: Van Dijk’s Heartbreaking Tribute to Trent’s Exit

Anfield has witnessed many unforgettable moments—glorious wins, painful losses, legendary farewells. But few departures have shaken the Liverpool faithful quite like this.

As the news of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s transfer ripples through the football world, fans are still grappling with disbelief. But it was Virgil van Dijk’s raw, heartfelt tribute that truly captured the gravity of the moment.

Speaking with emotion clearly weighing heavy on him, Van Dijk said: 

“Trent isn’t just a teammate. He’s my brother. We’ve fought side by side for years. He gave everything to this badge, to this city, and to the fans. His name will be remembered at Anfield long after he’s gone.”

The centre-back’s words hit harder than any transfer update ever could. This wasn’t just about losing a world-class right-back. This was about losing the heartbeat of Liverpool’s modern era—a local lad who rose from the academy to Champions League glory, Premier League triumphs, and countless iconic moments.

Fans across social media have responded with a mix of heartbreak, gratitude, and anger.

“How do you replace Trent?” one fan posted.

Another wrote, “This one feels personal. He’s one of us.”

Indeed, Trent was more than a player. He was a symbol of what it meant to wear the red shirt with pride. His passion, vision, and loyalty made him a fan favourite—and his sudden departure feels like the end of something special.

Van Dijk’s final message echoed what millions of fans are feeling:

“Wherever he goes, he carries a piece of Anfield with him. And he leaves a piece of himself behind. We’ll miss him—deeply.”

Nobody saw this coming. And nobody is ready to say goodbye.

Milos Kerkez, who has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool, has certainly not been shy with his recent social media activity ahead of a potential switch to Anfield.

Liverpool’s interest in Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez has evolved from speculative links to a targeted recruitment strategy, with the Reds positioning themselves to secure one of Europe’s most promising defenders.

The 21-year-old Hungarian international, valued at £45 million, represents both a stylistic and generational shift for a club seeking to refresh its backline under Arne Slot’s evolving vision.

Kerkez’s profile aligns seamlessly with Slot’s demand for dynamic, two-way fullbacks.

At Bournemouth, the defender has excelled in Andoni Iraola’s high-pressing system, averaging 2.66 progressive carries per 90 minutes—metrics that outpace both Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas this season.

His ability to transition rapidly from defence to attack mirrors the fluidity Slot cultivated at Feyenoord, where overlapping fullbacks were pivotal in creating overloads.

His underlying statistics also show his creative input:

Kerkez’s existing relationships within Liverpool’s setup could prove decisive. His camaraderie with Dominik Szoboszlai, Hungary’s captain and a key figure at Anfield, has been nurtured through national team duties.

Equally significant is director of football Richard Hughes’ role. Having signed Kerkez for Bournemouth in 2023, Hughes possesses intimate knowledge of the defender’s capabilities and temperament.

This insider perspective likely informed Liverpool’s decision to accelerate talks despite Bournemouth’s steep valuation—a marked departure from their typically frugal approach to fullback acquisitions.

And it seems the player himself cannot be at Anfield soon enough.

From liking Instagram posts confirming Mohamed Salah’s contract extension at Liverpool, to all the comments on Dominik Szoboszali’s Instagram – it’s fair to say that the left-back is a fan.

And now he’s got more Reds fans excited by commenting under Szoboszlai’s most recent Instagram post – suggesting the Premier League title is now a matter of time.

Securing Kerkez would signal Liverpool’s commitment to a proactive rebuild. At 21, he offers a decade of potential service, aligning with Slot’s preference for young, moldable talents.

His arrival could also catalyze Robertson’s phased transition into a mentorship role, preserving his leadership while addressing athletic decline.

Mikel Arteta has insisted that Arsenal will continue to try to delay Liverpool’s title celebrations.

The Reds’ 1-0 victory over Leicester City moved them within three points of claiming the Premier League crown. Trent Alexander-Arnold bagged the only goal of the game in the 76th minute.

There was a chance heading into the afternoon that Arne Slot’s side could have claimed their 20th English championship. Had Arsenal suffered a defeat at Ipswich Town then a win for Liverpool would have seen them celebrating at the King Power Stadium. However, the Gunners romped to a 4-0 triumph over the Tractor Boys at Portman Road.

It means that the Reds’ clash against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday 27 April is when they could officially be handed the title. There is a chance, however, that Liverpool could wrap up the race before that game kicks off. That is because Arsenal are in action against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night. Should the Gunners lose at the Emirates Stadium, they will be 13 points behind Liverpool will four fixtures remaining – and cannot make up the ground.

Ruud van Nistelrooy admitted that Leicester City fell foul of the chasm between the Premier League and the Championship as the Foxes were relegated at the hands of Liverpool.

The Reds’ 1-0 win, courtesy of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s 76th-minute goal, moved them to within three points of claiming a 20th English title. But defeat for Leicester confirmed that they will play the 2025-26 season in the second tier. The Foxes have endured turbulence because of financial issues, head coach Enzo Maresca leaving the club last summer and Steve Cooper being sacked in November.