Wilkinson says Rob Andrew will not be easily forgotten

Andrew has been appointed as the RFU elite rugby director after 11 years as boss of the Falcons.

"Of all the people that have been here, Rob will leave the biggest mark," Wilkinson said.

"He is the first name people associate with Newcastle. That's a tribute to the way he has done his job."

Andrew, who starts his new role on 1 September, joined the Falcons in 1995 and was key to helping the club make the transition to professional rugby.

He led Newcastle from National League One to the Premiership, where they won the league title in their first season.

Every player who runs out in a Newcastle shirt will give everything Newcastle boss John Fletcher

Newcastle also claimed two Powergen Cup trophies under his guidance, and Wilkinson, who is aiming to get back in the England set-up after a long list of injuries, says Andrew will not be easily forgotten.

"Players like Pat Lam, Inga Tuigamala and Dean Ryan have become part of the bricks and mortar of what this place stands for and Rob is the same," Wilkinson added.

"Rob's legacy is one to learn from and respect as we move forward. His legacy is a great launch pad for new people to come and add their strengths."

John Fletcher, who has been with the Newcastle academy for the last five years, has been appointed as Andrew's successor.

The 35-year-old insists he is determined to do things his own way.

"I've learnt an enormous amount from Rob, and will continue to do so," he said.

"He's with us for the next two weeks in whatever capacity we need him, and after that he's always at the end of a phone line.

"Having said that, I'm my own man and I'll do things my way. I'm not Rob Andrew, the players have been told that, and things won't be exactly the same as when Rob was director of rugby.

Fletcher is determined to make his mark with the Falcons

"It's going to be a massive challenge, but I'm really looking forward to it."

Fletcher, a former England A centre, says he has already formulated a plan on how he envisages the Falcons will play this season.

"I'm not going to give too much away, but what we aspire to do is play proper rugby," he said.

"What I mean by that is doing the right thing at the right time, adapting to what's in front of you, kicking when you need to kick, running from your own line when you see a gap and the rest of it.

"One thing I can absolutely guarantee is that every player who runs out in a Newcastle shirt will give everything for this club.

"I'm massive on work rate, commitment and attitude, so every single player will give that as an absolute minimum.

"If you combine that with the good skilful athletic rugby players we have in this squad, then I think that's a great mix."