Newcastle Falcons
Fri, 09 May 2008 10:26
Club Details
Kingston Park
Brunton Road
Kenton Bank Foot
Newcastle
NE13 8AF
Stadium Capacity: 10,000
Website: www.newcastle-falcons.co.uk
Founded: 1995 (Gosforth formed in 1877)
- 2007/8 Season Preview -
Last time around: Another hot and cold term for Newcastle meant coach John Fletcher's side finished the season a disappointing ninth - two places below their previous efforts. Although a strong run in the European Challenge Cup saw the Falcons reach the quarter-finals, eventual winners ASM Clermont Auvergne proved too strong in the French sunshine. Where the Falcons struggled was again in the forwards, and with Jonny Wilkinson injured in patches, the side found it difficult to establish any sort of away form.
This time? The signing of prop Carl Hayman is sure to add steel to the Newcastle front-row. Rumoured to be on the highest paid contract in the game, the All Black could possibly steady the Falcons. However, it remains difficult to picture the north-east side pushing for silverware.
Coach: Last year, John Fletcher took the reigns after Rob Andrew's departure to grander things at the RFU. The former academy coach is responsible for the emergence of so many Falcons academy players to maturity - Mathew Tait being the most notable. It will be interesting to see how he goes in his second season.
Captain: After coming back from two long-term injuries, Phil Dowson will be the man to skipper the Falcons this season. A back-rower with pace and also line-out ability, Dowson is sure to lead from the front.
One to watch: With Wilkinson and Tait on international duty for the early part of the season, young Toby Flood is going to be a crucial player for Fletcher. Equally at home at inside centre or number ten, Flood missed out of England's World Cup party and is sure to be fired up for the new term. Newcastle will be hoping he can kick his goals and keep the Falcons as far away from the drop as possible.
Final 2007/8 league position prediction: 8th
skybet.com prediction (04/9): 25-1 to finish first
In: Carl Hayman (Auckland Blues), Steve Jones (Borders).
Out: Robbie Morris (Connacht), Anthony Elliott (Bristol).
Colours: Black and white
Tickets: £12 - 40
Travel connections: Newcastle has an airport, which is only a ten-minute drive and a five-minute metro ride from the ground, and there is a regular bus service. There is a major rail station, but allow plenty of time, as you will have to make a half-hour Metro journey from town to the Kingston Park station, and the bus journey takes even longer. The ground is a little fiddly to get to by road, and there isn't much parking.
