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Newcastle head coach Alan Tait says he is already preparing for another tough relegation battle next season after the Falcons survived by the skin of their teeth in the final round of Aviva Premiership matches.
It was not until several minutes after the whistle blew on their 42-12 defeat at Bath that Tait and his squad learned that northern rivals Leeds had been relegated instead on points difference.
"They were five minutes behind us so we just decided as a group to wait out there on the pitch for the results," Tait said.
"We got the word from the team manager - or rather his missus, who was having kittens at the other end of the phone."
Tait, who revealed that fly-half Jimmy Gopperth had played with a torn knee cartilage, does not believe it will be much easier next year, adding: "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.
"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."
For Bath head coach Steve Meehan, leaving the Recreation Ground by mutual consent, it was just as emotional an afternoon, especially when the capacity crowd welcomed him on to the pitch.
"It was a lovely moment, really appreciated. It will stay with me and my family. 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 said.
He thinks the club will improve further after his departure, adding: "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 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."
