NEWCASTLE UNITED have dropped the much-loved Local Hero walk-out anthem after the request from the PLAYERS!
The huge change came into effect for the first time in tonight’s Champions League showdown with Athletic Bilbao.
Although Mark Knopfler’s famous song has not been ditched entirely.
The “Going Home: Theme of the Local Hero” tune is STILL being used on matchdays and was blasted out of the St. James’ Park PA in the build-up to kick off.
But, instead of it traditionally being played as the teams make their way out from the tunnel onto the pitch, ‘Blaydon Races’ has instead taken over that slot.
SunSport can reveal that the walkout switch-up has been made after a request from the dressing-room.
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Eddie Howe’s players say they would rather come out to the sound of the Toon Army singing in full voice to ‘Blaydon Races’ rather than the wordless ‘Local Hero’ hit.
And the move helped to create a wall of noise and a sea of black and white after fans were encouraged to bring their scarves and wear their shirts proudly for the clash with the Spanish outfit.
A statement from the Wor Flags fan group pre-match explained: “Many have noticed a change in the order of songs pre-match at St James’ Park in the last couple of weeks.
“The club have told us the decision to swap Local Hero with the Blaydon Races before kick-off was done primarily at the request of the players and coaching staff, who want to hear the fans singing right at kick-off, which is not possible with Local Hero but is with The Blaydon Races!
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“So whilst honouring the tradition of those two songs, the club have swapped them round so that Local Hero plays before the team emerge and The Blaydon Races before kick-off.
“It’s up to us to live up to that request and belt out the Blaydon Races and also carry it into the game. Massive game tomorrow night.
“Bring your scarf, get it twirling, get behind the lads. Howay Newcastle!”
Howe will be praying the change helps his players hit the right note and record a third-straight run in Europe after Sunday’s out-of-tone performance led to a 3-1 Premier League defeat at West Ham.
