Eddie Howe admits that Newcastle United's backroom team were involved in the decision to drop Local Hero as the team's walkout song.

The famous Mark Knopfler song "Going Home: Theme of the Local Hero" is still set to be used on match days and in the build-up to games. But United will now walk out to the Blaydon Races as players are keen to come out of the tunnel to the sound of the Geordie faithful singing.

It is understood that the players would prefer an all singing, all dancing atmosphere to walk out to for games. Some fans are devastated that Local Hero was axed.

When asked about the decision, Howe said: "Well, I can give you what I know. I'm not directly involved in those discussions, especially with the schedule that we have.

"I've been putting all my focus on the team, but I know there has been discussions to the pre-match environment, and making sure that it's the best it can be.

"We're constantly evaluating that to try and make sure...