Choose the St James's Park run-out anthem

Oct 15 2007 by Chloe Griffiths, The Journal

NEWCASTLE United supporters have been divided over the club’s controversial decision to ditch iconic anthem Local Hero this season as the teams run out on to the pitch at St James’s Park.

Now The Journal is giving you the chance to have your say in an online vote.

The 1983 song by Newcastle-born Mark Knopfler has been replaced by If The Kids Are United, by the London-based punk band Sham 69.

But now The Journal is inviting all Newcastle United fans to have their say over what the run-out anthem should be...and officials at Newcastle United have promised to listen.

Club bosses say they want to improve the atmosphere at St James’s Park, and opted for the new song because the upbeat anthem finishes with a chant of “United, United”.

But after the mixed response to the move, they say they are looking for supporters to tell them what they want to hear when the team emerges on to the pitch.

A United spokesman said: “We were looking to improve the atmosphere and thought maybe it was time for a change in the music.

“We hear a lot of different opinions from fans, people are quite divided – some like Local Hero, others would like to hear The Blaydon Races while some say they don’t want any music at all so the crowd can build the atmosphere.

“We are keen to hear from fans so we can get the best formula and ensure the atmosphere at St James’s is as good as it always is.”

So now its your chance to ensure the fans’ choice is the one which rings out at St James’s.

The Journal is encouraging all Magpie supporters to write, text or go online with their preference from Local Hero, The Blaydon Races, If The Kids Are United or if you think it should be down to the crowd to fill the ground with noise. Frank Gilmour, of the Newcastle United Independent Supporters Association, said: “I can’t understand why they changed it. Local Hero has become as much a Geordie anthem as The Blaydon Races.

“It was written by a Geordie and has a strong connection with the club.

“It got my spine-tingling every time they played it and I knew the players were about to come out.”

A number of readers have already contacted The Journal to express their opinion on the change.

Season ticket holder Stuart Campbell, who travels to the games from Glasgow, wrote: “Local Hero is one of the anthems of our Geordie nation.

“It is synonymous with home, with being a Geordie, with pride, passion and identity. It evokes images of God’s country that are rooted deep within our souls.”

Now we want to hear your opinion. To register your vote, click here.