After what can only be described as an extremely disappointing season by Ken Doherty’s high standards last time out, the ‘Darling of Dublin’ has spoken of his love of the game ahead of the 2009/10 campaign.

Speaking to WorldSnooker.com, Ken summed up how difficult of a season it was last year “There were very few positives and a lot of negatives. I found going to the qualifiers very hard, not because of the conditions there, which are good, but because of the shock of not playing at venues.”

“You are going in cold and playing against guys who are confident and have matches under their belt. It’s very tough. Hopefully I’m more used to it now and I want to get off to a good start in the coming season. Good players should be able to adapt to any circumstances.”

Doherty, who has slumped to 44th in the world rankings, revealed that not reaching the World Snooker Championships was tough “It was difficult to deal with not being at the Crucible as a player. The game is full of ups and downs and that’s history now. There are a few more smaller events at Prestatyn now so I’m going to play in those.”

However, when asked if he had any plans to retire yet, the Irishman said “I still love the game and I want to play as much as I can, but I don’t enjoy losing. You get disillusioned when you know what you are capable of but it doesn’t come out.”

Having reached the last 16 of the Sangsom 6-red World Grand Prix 2009 in Thailand, Doherty will be hoping to claw himself back up the world rankings next season.