FORMER Newcastle number eight Dean Ryan believes the Falcons' stay in the Premiership will finally come to an end this season - and he fears the consequences will reach far and wide.

The Falcons have too often teetered on the edge of relegation in recent seasons, finishing in the top six just twice in the last 13 seasons and coming closest of all last year - staying alive on just points difference.

Alan Tait's troops have started this season in similarly abject fashion and sit bottom with five points but are far from doomed with 16 games left and only four separating them from Northampton in ninth.

However, Ryan, who captained Newcastle to the Premiership title in 1998, is hedging his bets that the Falcons' luck will run out this time around - and is concerned for the future of rugby in the north, not just north east, if that proves to be the case.

"It's a tough one - Newcastle have always managed to just stay above a side but I think it will be the other way round this time," said Ryan.

"And if you get relegated it is a slippery slope and you have got to question whether the financial support would remain in the north east if they dropped out of the Premiership.

"The ability to attract sponsors and everything else is all reduced and, with sides that have dropped out in the past, you have potentially got a year to get back as the second year is very tough.

"Your central funding drops so I think it would be drastic for the north east and rugby because you are struggling to get footholds in the north east at all anyway.

"And if Newcastle were to go, apart from Sale, there aren't any teams north of the Midlands - Leeds have tried and struggled and they are now struggling in the Championship as they reshape themselves.

"So I think there are a number of fronts that any neutral is looking and saying potentially can Newcastle stay there? I am sure the RFU are desperate that they keep a foothold in the north east."

Ryan, who made 30 appearances for Newcastle, addresses that it is still early days in the season but knows without Jimmy Gopperth Newcastle's charge becomes increasingly difficult.

The 28-year-old fly-half has recorded 59 of Newcastle's 99 total Premiership points so far but, should he stay injury-free, Ryan believes in Gopperth they have a hope for survival.

"There is the danger that any of the smaller budget sides will lose one of their key investments and if you lose them, it drastically changes things," he added.

"Jimmy is everything to Newcastle - he kicks the goals, he runs the team and if they were to lose him in any shape or form, then you would fear for them so fingers crossed.

"I think it's going to be a long fight, and I think they are used to fighting which helps. I think sometimes you can be a more glamorous side and find yourself down there and everybody is worried about where they are going to be playing next year.

"James Hudson the captain is a good guy to get around and galvanise the troops, he will be up for the fight. Whatever happens they won't let it go easily, that's for sure."

Heroes Rugby Challenge, Saturday December 3 at Twickenham Stadium, kicks off at 16.30. Ticket prices start at £30 for adults and are available through Ticketmaster @ www.ticketmaster.co.uk or by calling 0844 847 2492