Five years ago, Glenn Hoddle's dependence on faith healer Eileen Drury helped hasten his departure as England football manager.

Come On Eileen is perhaps, therefore, not the greatest tune to be rallying players and fans ahead of this summer's European Championships.

However, a reworking of the old Dexy's Midnight Runners stomper called Come On England is receiving huge airplay and could become an unofficial anthem of the competition.

Come On Eileen was penned by Brighton-based singer Kevin Rowland back in 1982 and was the biggest-selling single of that year.

The new version features Brighton musician Mad Fiddler, alias Mark Knight, playing the famous violin solo.

Mark, 31, is one eighth of the collective 4-4-2, assembled by the people behind the web site British Underground Rock Bands and hopes the familiar tune will help it become a terrace favourite.

He said: "A friend of mine was approached by someone who had written some lyrics and asked if he could sort out some musicians to record it.

"The writer's uncle was the original drummer in Dexy's Midnight Runners and he got permission from EMI to use the song back in 2002. We were approached in November last year.

"We kept it quiet because some things never happen and we didn't want to end up looking like idiots. But we were signed to Gut Records in February and ended up recording the song.

"Gut Records signed a deal with TalkSport radio, which has taken it on as its anthem and is playing it every day.

"Last week we found out The Sun was backing it as well so hopefully it will do well when it's released."

Mark, who attended Dorothy Stringer School, said all the musicians in 4-4-2 were over 30 and many had grown disillusioned with the record industry.

He said: "We are all too old and not pretty enough to get signed now. This will be like sticking two fingers up to the music industry if it works out.

"The original version was a fantastic track and people will remember that. Hopefully they'll like the new lyrics as well.

"We did not want to do a straight copy so it has been updated so it's a bit rockier."

The band are planning to shoot their promo video at The Palace Pier by The Boardwalk in Brighton between 4.30pm and 6.30pm next Wednesday.

They are appealing for any England fans who fancy being extras to go along in their kit.

Come On England will be in the shops from June 7.