PAUL REES ASSESSES THE CHALLENGES AHEAD FACING STEVE DIAMOND, THE MAN AT THE TOP AT KINGSTON PARK

IT SEEMED that the only way for Newcastle was up after another season when they finished bottom of the table, but the decision to meaningfully restore relegation from next season means a repeat may have consequences for a club who are spending some way below the salary cap in a drive for sustainability.
Going through the season without a victory in the Premiership was compounded by the loss of England Under-20 inter nationals Guy Pepper and Louie Johnson to Bath and Saracens respectively...