Newcastle Falcons remain confident about tying Jonny Wilkinson down to a new deal.
John Fletcher expects his England star to stay at the club
Newcastle Falcons remain confident about tying Jonny Wilkinson down to a new deal early in the new year.
The England fly-half kicked two conversions and a penalty in Newcastle's 22-19 victory away at Saracens on Sunday.
Matthew Tait (three), Toby Flood (22) and Jamie Noon (78) scored the tries for the Falcons at Vicarage Road.
And head coach John Fletcher insists star Wilkinson will extend his contract at Kingston Park beyond this season.
Faith
Fletcher said: "We're talking with Jonny Wilkinson and those talks will continue in the new year.
"We're due to meet with his management in early January and we've no reason to believe he won't sign.
"Ultimately he's got to do what's best for him, but he's on record as saying he loves the region, the way we play and where we're going.
"As a side we've been competitive for a period of time. We've added to the squad in terms of quality and we're bringing through a number of good younger players."
Apology
Neil De Kock (62) and Hugh Vyvyan (74) scored the tries for Sarries meanwhile, but director of rugby Alan Gaffney admits the club missed an opportunity in front of their biggest crowd in a decade - 17,228.
"I have to apologise to all the supporters," he added. "It was a great opportunity for us to go out and show what we've been doing this season but I'm not sure how many of them will come back after watching that drivel.
"The better side won the game. In the first half we had no structure, no pace, and we were lucky to be only 15-6 down at half-time.
"We could have edged it at the end but probably didn't deserve to.
"A lot of people have got to take responsibility for the performance, put their hands up and put it right."
