Alan Tait believes Newcastle will struggle again next season after keeping their top-flight status intact on Saturday.
Newcastle boss expects another relegation fight
Newcastle head coach Alan Tait believes his team will struggle again next season after keeping their top-flight status intact on Saturday.
The Falcons faced a nervous wait after their 42-12 defeat to Bath at the Rec but eventually learned that Leeds had lost against Northampton, meaning Newcastle survived.
And Tait thinks his side could find themselves in a similar position next season unless more quality is added to the squad over the summer.
"I think we will go through it again next season. If I say my goal is to survive in the Premiership they'll say I'm negative," he said.
"But I know where these players are and we need a couple of years to get them there. The best way is to get a couple of quality players to play alongside them."
Injury
Tait, who revealed that fly-half Jimmy Gopperth had played with a torn knee cartilage, thinks his team are always at a disadvantage against the Aviva Premiership's star sides.
He added: "We know we're up against it every single week. I have to ask them every week to lift themselves against gigantic teams like Northampton and Leicester, even Bath.
"I just saw tired bodies out there in the first half. Last week it was nerves. This week it was fatigue. I can't fault them for effort but we were put to the sword by a Bath team who themselves have a few injuries.
"I feel for Leeds, I do. We need to look at the relegation issue. What's it all for? It was exciting but what does it achieve?"
Bath head coach Steve Meehan, who is leaving the club by mutual consent, was welcomed onto the pitch by a capacity home crowd.
"It was a lovely moment, really appreciated. It will stay with me and my family," he said.
Surprise
"I suppose if you could thank the supporters for that, it was with the rugby that we played. It wasn't expected. It was a surprise."
He added: "I said to the players that it won't be long before they are travelling back along the M4 with the Premiership trophy.
"The club is in a good position to capitalise on a lot of good work done with the youngsters in recent seasons."
Asked if he could see a day when he would return to the Rec as an opposition coach, Meehan was optimistic.
He said: "I don't know how soon but I think I'd enjoy it. I have a lot of great memories to take away and it's been a great pleasure to work with the players. To come back with another team and to challenge would be pretty interesting."
