Chris Dobey finds new inspiration in 'Hey Jude' as new walk-on song

Chris Dobey has taken inspiration from his favorite soccer club Newcastle United when choosing a new walk-on song. For years, the former Masters champion stepped on stage with 'Let's Get Ready to Rumble' by PJ & Duncan, but has recently opted for a fresh start. These days, the darter from Bedlington takes the stage with 'Hey Jude' by The Beatles.

For Dobey, the choice of this song has extra meaning. Newcastle United supporters often sing "Hey Jude" during matches, sometimes changing the lyrics to "Hey Toon" to encourage their club. So the current world number seven ranked player was visibly pleased that the crowd at the World Series tournament in Copenhagen enthusiastically welcomed his new attendance number.

“I feel like I needed a change. I’ve looked for a long time now. It’s something that makes the crowd happy now and it’s a well-known song," Dobey explained.

“And it resonates with Newcastle. It’s the song that Newcastle United fans sing.

“It does mean a lot that way as well and it’s got something from the North-East to take with it.

Dobey hopes the good vibe the song evokes continues to help him during his competitions. “So yeah, it’s done well both times I have used it so long may it continue.

“At the end of the day it’s all about the fans — they’re paying their money and deserve to enjoy it.”

Now that he has finally secured a permanent spot in the World Series, Dobey wants to hold that position at all costs.

“I’ve sat at home the last five years watching it at home. You want to be mixing it with these guys. Now I am here I have to put the work in to stay here.

Meanwhile, the 35-year-old Dobey is also working hard behind the scenes on his fitness, with the goal of returning to Premier League Darts next year.

“I feel like I have a lot of energy. I am trying to slim down and lose a bit of weight. But yeah I love the Premier League and the travelling.

“It is tough at times but you want to be playing among the elite. I am trying to cement my place there.

“I’m going to try and get myself a little fitter to hopefully push myself up the rankings to be there again next year.”