'Not many people can say they can play in front of a home crowd': Chris Dobey relishing Newcastle Premier League Darts homecoming

Always a feature of Chris Dobey in Newcastle is walking out to the tones of Local Hero and he will do so again tonight at the Premier League Darts as he takes in Night Eight.

Dobey starred as a contender in one of the best walk-ons seen in the Premier League. He returned two years ago with the flags on stage. Now he returns also with his team having won the Carabao Cup last weekend so even more reason to celebrate.

"It's unbelievable, especially because I use the song Local Hero, which is a big thing in Newcastle. I had the flags out the last time, and yeah, it's just a massive occasion for me, playing in front of friends and family from all over.

"I think I'm doing it more so for everybody and not just for myself, so there are a few nerves, but you kind of brush that aside and you've just got to enjoy the moment and try not to put any pressure on yourself."

But as well as the home hopes he also wants to push on after a poor start where he and Stephen Bunting sit rooted to the bottom after eight nights.

"I just want to go out and enjoy it and put yourself in the mix to try and make that playoffs. Give yourself a chance on the last night. I think that'll be a good campaign," he added.

"Pushing on from two years ago, I did have a good campaign and I didn't get the results I wanted, but I did play well. I was getting 100-plus averages putting in against me nearly every week, but yeah, I didn't do well on that."