After a season as awful as this one, it is often hard to find too many positives. But, remarkably, one came in the loyalty of Falcons supporters.

Crowds at Kingston Park went up in 2023-24 to an average of 6,186, an increase of just over 10% from the previous campaign.

BBC Radio Newcastle commentator Dean Gray followed the Falcons home and away over the campaign and sensed it was going to be a long one.

But he looks upon the fervent support of the fanbase as a healthy sign amid a Premiership that has seen Wasps, Worcester Warriors and London Irish disappear in the past two years.

“The crowds have been really healthy and that’s without the ticket prices being any cheaper,” said Gray.

“People have been getting behind the team, desperate to see them win.

“The fans aren’t daft, they understand the situation. The fact that the club has always lived within the budget and is very committed to the academy, that’s why the crowd is so supportive.

“There has definitely been an element of ‘at least we’re still here’ about it.”