We need to win fans trust - Bates

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Bates urges Falcons to stay positive

Newcastle Falcons director of rugby Steve Bates has said his players must win back the trust of the supporters if they are to boost attendances.

Falcons have seen gates of less than 4,000 at Kingston Park for some fixtures and Bates knows good results can help to stir interest in the club.

"We've got to be consistent and we've got to get people to believe in us," he told BBC Look North.

"It is concerning that we're not enticing people to come to watch."

Sunday's defeat by London Irish at Kingston Park was the club's fourth straight loss in all competitions.

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And the former Border Reivers and England Saxons coach admitted his plans have not been helped by the crippling injuries the side has suffered so far this season.

"We've been unfortunate in that we have had our two front-line tightheads both injured," he said.

"One of them is the best tighthead in the world [Carl Hayman] and the other is third or fourth choice in England [David Wilson].

"Not having those two guys is a factor and we've been unlucky to be pushed into this state."

Falcons travel to Worcester in the Guinness Premiership on Friday night, with full match commentary on BBC Radio Newcastle and the BBC Tyne website.