Falcons set for freshen up after turbulent time

NEWCASTLE finished bottom of the Premiership after heavy defeats in their last three matches, but they are confident of avoiding the drop next season if relegation is reintroduced. 

- PAUL REES

The Falcons had their moments in their first season in the post-Dean Richards era, but released senior players to lower the wage bill and parted company with head coach Dave Walder two months before the end of the campaign.

“It was a turbulent season in some ways,” said Mark Laycock, right, who became interim head coach after Walder was placed on gardening leave. “There were highs and lows and there is a lot for us to take into next

“Our last few games showed how up and down the season can be, the high of the Gloucester game followed by the low of Northampton a couple of weeks later.

“The Premiership is the best league in the world for high scoring games and the closeness of matches across the whole season. The game is in a healthy place in terms of the product that is being delivered on the field.