Football anthems keep fans sweet

Paul Gascoigne sang on a version of Fog on the Tyne

A study into the importance of football pop songs like Paul Gascoigne's version of Fog on the Tyne has found hits are not as popular as classics with fans.

Mike McGuinness, a sports lecturer at Teesside University, also examined recordings by former England managers Kevin Keegan and Glenn Hoddle.

He found such chart hits were not important to fans but others had helped maintain supporters' bonds with clubs.

The study also found certain songs improved atmosphere within stadiums.

FOOTBALLERS IN THE CHARTS Come on you Reds - Status Quo and Manchester United - 1994 Number 1 Back Home - England Squad - 1970 - Number 1 Fog on the Tyne (Revisited) - Paul Gascoigne and Lindisfarne - 1990 - Number 2 The Anfield Rap - Liverpool Squad - 1988 - Number 3 Diamond Lights - Hoddle and Waddle - 1987 - Number 12 Head over Heels in Love - Kevin Keegan - 1979 - Number 31 Outstanding - Andrew Cole - 1999 - Charted outside Top 40

Mr McGuinness said: "While some of the football songs, such as 'Nice One Cyril' for Tottenham have lifelong associations, the footballers' records didn't have a long life.

"I looked at how music can provide a link for communities to join in a shared experience.

"Songs become associated with particular clubs and some clubs play particular songs to try and recreate the atmosphere and keep the relationship with the fans."

His article is published in a wider study called Sporting Sounds: relationships Between Music and Sport.

Steve Hastie, 49, a Newcastle United supporters' club member, said classics like Newcastle-born Mark Knopfler's Local Hero and the traditional Blaydon Races were the tunes that helped create atmosphere at St James' Park.

He said: "The songs played before a match do add to the atmosphere but it's the songs that come from the crowd, the chants, that really get things going.

"I cringe at the pop songs that are played before a match and at the classical music I hear at some away games. "