Darts star Chris Dobey, a lifelong Newcastle United supporter, has voiced his support for the club's new era under head coach Matthias Jaissle and taken part in a special tournament at St James' Park for former academy players.
Support for Newcastle 2.0
Bedlington-born Dobey, currently the world number 16, has watched the summer of change at St James' Park with keen interest. Following Eddie Howe's departure and the arrival of German head coach Matthias Jaissle, the club has been described as 'Newcastle 2.0' by CEO David Hopkinson.
Dobey told Chronicle Live: "Obviously, it wasn’t the best of pre-seasons and there was a lot of change at the club - but the new manager needs to be given time, patience and support and I’m sure that is exactly what he will get.
"He needs more of his own players as well - but there is a good bunch of lads in the squad, there have been plenty of new signings and I am really looking forward to see how things play out. I’ll be trying my best to get to as many games as possible and I am excited to see what the team looks like and how they play throughout the season with so many changes."
Academy event at St James' Park
Dobey was speaking at a darts tournament held at St James' Park for Magpies academy alumni. The 'Next Phase of Play' initiative supports former academy prospects after their departure from the club, maintaining contact via group chats and special events.
At the event, former academy striker Lewis McNall, forced to retire at 26 due to injury, claimed the honours, beating former defender Carter Milmore, who now plays for North Shields in the ninth tier. Dobey awarded McNall his trophy before the pair faced off, with Dobey winning 2-0 in a best-of-three contest watched by academy director Steve Harper.
Dobey's delight and upcoming challenges
Dobey expressed his delight at being involved, saying: "It’s great to be here and when I got the message about being available for the event, you just jump at things like this and I’d jump at anything to do with Newcastle. Any time I am available I’ll be here and I’ll always be willing to help the club because they’ve been such a big part of my life.
"There are a few decent players in here to be fair - but it’s just nice to see the lads getting together and taking a bit of time away from the pitch and having a bit of fun. It’s obviously been hard for them leaving the club but nights like this can help them and it’s all a bit of fun."
Next up for Dobey is the World Grand Prix in Leicester, where he faces Jermaine Wattimena in the first round. He reached the last four in 2019 before losing to Michael van Gerwen. Looking ahead, Dobey said: "I’m playing really well and feeling confident and you just keep moving on to the next tournament and looking towards the next major and that’s always the way.
"Everyone always asks about the World Championships and I understand why because that’s the big one and the one everyone looks towards as we get to the back end of the year. But there is a lot to play for before then and I just want to try and get myself up those rankings in the tournaments that come before and make sure I’ve put myself in good stead and good form for those World Championships when they do come around."
Former Newcastle United academy players wishing to join the 'Next Phase of Play' group can contact Academy Safeguarding Manager Julie Smith.
