Tributes

(after beating Ken Doherty at the Crucible in 2004): I’ve never really believed in coaching but it was desperate measures so I went to see Del. Within three shots he had sussed out the problem and within 15 minutes he had sorted it. I had developed a bad habit, just a small technical problem, and he spotted it right away. Tonight was probably the best I have ever played.

Results don¹t lie and I have dropped down the rankings because I have been playing bad snooker. Now I am enjoying the game again and this is all down to Del Hill. I have been working very hard in practice and with Del's help maybe I can even win my first ranking event.

Del helped me to reconstruct my game to such an extent that I won the world championship. This was my first major tournament win. I owe so much to the big man.

I asked Del for some coaching at the European championships in Carlow. He helped me a lot with my technique and it paid off - I won the title!

I visited the Snooker Farm during my run-up to winning the world championship and Del gave me some really useful practice routines to go away and work on.

Since working with Del there’s been a definite improvement in my game. He also helps me to control the nerves and is a great calming influence. He knows the things that need to be said during the intervals.

Del is in a different class as a coach. He kept faith with me during a long spell of dreadful form and he’s now got me cuing well. I’m hitting the ball sweetly again

Nobody could have had anyone better than Del in their corner. He’s a top man and a top coach. I have known him for a long time and he knows me better than anyone.

Mitchell (15) the reigning Junior Pot Black champ says: The farm is something else - and Del makes tough training a pleasure and fun. I hope to have him as my coach for the rest of my career. Michael (17) says: I can’t wait to come back. Del doesn’t mess with your head or cue action - he just sorts everything out with a smile. He’s the best.

I wanted to work with Del for a long time before I actually went to the Snooker Farm - and it’s the best thing I¹ve ever done. The farm is fabulous and his great family made me so welcome. Del showed me a few things and the routines he gave me have made me a much more consistent player. It’s great when you get help from the best in the business.

Thank you for allowing me to attend the World Snooker coaching course at the Academy in March 2007. It was a fascinating two days which has opened my eyes to a whole new world of coaching. Del Hill was a revelation. I hung off his every word and could easily have stayed longer. The man is a legend. I have now fulfilled a dream of becoming a qualified coach. When I was talking to some of the juniors at my club last night I held their attention like never before.

Del is the best in the business. I came to Del not knowing what was wrong with my game. I had been wanting to visit the farm for ages because I know its the place to go. When I was there I loved every minute of it because he is a top man and the best coach in the game! He makes you feel like you want to play. He gave me some good routines to do and made me more solid and I've never enjoyed practice so much. Del does a lot for me and I really appreciate everything he does. There is know doubt I will be visiting Del and the Farm for years to come!

I LOVE IT, NO I REALLY REALLY LOVE IT! Cheers Tommy thanks for the great company and the battles on the baize son!