Newcastle Falcons

Phil Dowson: A crucial forward cog

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)

- 2008/9 Season Preview -

Skybet title odds - 66/1

Last time around: Surely a season to forget for the Falcons as they finished with only lowly Leeds beneath them! There were few good points to recall - one being an impressive away win at Saracens - but overall the sacking of John Fletcher and sales of Toby Flood and Mathew Tait sum up a dour year in the north-east!

This time around? It's hard to see past a relegation dogfight at Kingston Park this season where they will need Jonny Wilkinson at his poaching best if they are to avoid bottom spot. Although many have moaned over the eyebrow-raising transfers of Tait and Flood, their centre replacements in Davey and Tu'ipulotu could bring greater direction to the Falcons' game... Tough season is a certainty!

Coach: John Fletcher's abrupt 'mutual departure' thrusted the Newcastle reins into the hands of assistant and Saxons boss Steve Bates. Unfortunately club form didn't mirror his Churchill Cup fate as the Falcons struggled to the season's end!

One to watch: In a season that could see the Falcons battling perilously close the trapdoor, Steve Bates may need to call on grit in place of attacking flair in order to avoid the drop. That is why the pack will be so crucial with Phil Dowson and the skills of Brent Wilson key to Jonny Wilkinson leading the points scrap.

In: Tane Tu'ipulotu (Hurricanes), Spencer Davey (Doncaster), Adam Balding (Gloucester).

Out: Toby Flood (Leicester), Mathew Tait (Sale), Ben Woods (Leicester), Lee Dickson (Northampton), Matt Burke (retired).

PR Prediction: 12th