A survey of Barclaycard Premiership football clubs has found that Eminem is the artists of choice for footballers as they prepare for a game - though Man United choose Iggy Pop's Lust for Life and Newcastle United favoured Tyneside rocker Mark Knopfler.
Talking about the survey music psychologist Dr Neil Todd, of Manchester University, told reporters that choice of pre-match music can be important: "Eminem's music may play a role rather like The Haka in helping players reach an aroused competitive state. Some players will be motivated by the determined, repetitive dance rhythms combined with cutting lyrics that are often themed around reclaiming pride and self-confidence in the face of difficult circumstances. U2's music may work in a different way - lively, positive and uplifting songs such as 'It's A Beautiful Day' can help create a positive frame of mind, and also have a physiological effect by inducing a sense of euphoria by activating the brain's dopamine system. The release of adrenaline prior to a match has the additional effect of raising heart rate helping prepare the body before a game."
The ten most played albums in football club changing rooms are:
Eminem (8 Mile); U2 (The Best of 1990-2000); Nelly (Nellyville); Oasis (Heathen Chemistry); Red Hot Chilli Peppers (By The Way); Justin Timberlake (Justified); Robbie Williams (Escapology) Kylie (Fever); J-Lo (J to Tha L-O); Jay-Z (The Blueprint 2).