Shropshire’s Adrian Gunnell will continue on the professional snooker tour in 2011-12 – for his father.

Telford’s Gunnell has spent much of the close season pondering his future in the game after 17 years as a professional.

After a season in which he became increasingly disillusioned with the sport and dropped from 44th to 56th in the world rankings, the 38-year-old rated his chances of continuing in the game as no greater than 50-50.

But Gunnell has now pledged to play on and has admitted his dad John has been the driving force behind his decision.

“I owe my whole career to my dad,” said Gunnell.

“He took me everywhere as a kid around Shropshire and the West Midlands, watched every match I played and made a lot of sacrifices

“Because of his work – mainly at Sankeys – he hasn’t been able to do that while I have been a professional and has missed out.

“But he has recently retired so I want to give him the chance of seeing me play regularly and joining me back on the road for at least another season.”

Gunnell’s season begins next week with the opening PTC tournament of the year in Sheffield.

After a stint in Cannock, he is now back practicing in Shropshire – at the Eden Club where he had a maximum break last week – and is hoping to re-discover his best form.

“I love the game and I’ve been very fortunate to have the career I have had,” added Gunnell.

“I know I’ve under-achieved but I have had the chance to travel the world doing something I love.

“But for the last three or four years, I’ve not enjoyed it so I just want to get back to enjoying the game again and we will see what happens.”

By JAMES GARRISON