But fans started noticing in recent weeks that the tune had been swapped with the anthemic Blaydon Races, or, in the case of the Premier League clash with Fulham, no music at all.

That request, it has been claimed, came directly from the players who "want to hear the fans singing right at kick-off," according to fan group Wor Flags who took to X to inform fans of a conversation they had with the club about pre-match atmosphere.

"Many have noticed a change in the order of songs pre-match at St James’ Park in the last couple of weeks," Wor Flags said.

"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."

Newcastle United players made the request to play Blaydon Races before kick-off instead, (Image: Richard Sellers / PA)

Club sources do not dispute that this meeting took place.

Nevertheless, this decision...