Dean Richards’ influence has the Newcastle Falcons on the verge of a unique double, writes Kristian Ross
A year ago as a Falcons fan things weren't looking too good. Bottom of the league. No stability. The following months could only be described as a nightmare. Relegated due to an appeal via London Welsh. Premiership status gone. A bitter taste left in the mouth.
A year on what can you say. Well first of all, happiness is a word you could use. Twenty two games in the RFU Championship for the Falcons And twenty one of them won, a perfect season snatched away after a four point defeat on the final day of the regular season. The playoffs await.
Dean Richards has turned the Falcons into a well driven winning machine. Albeit in the second tier of English rugby, but nonetheless a team that were impossible to beat up until this month. New signings arriving. Smiles on faces. And despite the fact that the fans at Kingston Park will be sad to see star player Jimmy Gopperth ply his trade in Dublin as opposed to Newcastle next season, no one seems to disheartened.
With a British and Irish Cup semi final against Bedford yet to be played as well, the Falcons have had a fantastic year indeed. With the news that London Welsh are now guaranteed to finish bottom of the Aviva Premiership, the Falcons know that if they win the playoffs they'll return back to the big time. All that stands in there way, a two legged semi vs Leeds Carnegie and if that test is passed, a two legged final vs Bedford or Nottingham.
In all things are rosy. However season ticket prices are looking fair expensive for next season, one major downfall that may keep some away from Kingston Park. It's back to Sunday kick offs though, which will mean better attendances. Some in the media have questioned will the Falcons be strong enough for the Premiership, but people must remember, they aren't quite there yet.
When it all looked bleak a year ago and that nothing was going right, a year on things are very different indeed. The question on everybody's lips, promotion for the Falcons ? Well, if I was a betting man.... I wouldn't say no.
I'm Kristian. 18. And my mind is filled with rugby shaped thoughts. Supporting Ulster Rugby, Newcastle Falcons and of course the mighty Ireland. Tommy Bowe is the MAN !!!! SUFTUM.
