Jimmy Gopperth is arguably Newcastle's most important player © Getty Images

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Newcastle Falcons star Jimmy Gopperth is adamant that the future of the club looks bright even if they are relegated to the Championship.

The Falcons travel to Wasps on Saturday and lie four points off Dai Young's side. To complete the most remarkable of great escapes then they need to realistically come away from Adams Park with a bonus point win while restricting Wasps to minimal points.

Dean Richards will take the helm at Newcastle in the summer with current interim boss Gary Gold linked with the vacant coach role at Bath and Gopperth insists the club are in safe hands.

The Falcons have seen many of their well-known players depart from Kingston Park over the past couple of years with the likes of Kieran Brookes, Micky Young, Mathew Tait, Toby Flood, Jamie Noon, Tom May, Phil Dowson, David Wilson and of course Jonny Wilkinson all leaving through the exit door.

But Gopperth has put pen to paper on a three-year deal and claims he will stay loyal to the club regardless of what division they are in next term.

"As soon as money came into the game loyalty went out of the window," Gopperth told the Times. "I was overwhelmed by the amount of offers. I had some sleepless nights, but I looked at the bigger picture and saw something you can really fight for.

"Regardless of what happens, the club is in a great position and with Semore and Dean in control, it is only going to get better."