MATHEW TAIT reckons Newcastle Falcons can rule the European roost – otherwise he would not have chosen to occupy it with them. The 20-cap England flyer agreed a new one-year deal for next season this week, turning down a whole host of top clubs in the process. Tait has always signed one-year deals in his time at Kingston Park, but admitted while he is not messing with tradition it does give him the flexibility to move on if things change. Tait said: “I’m feeling great about being here, so have decided to stay. “We can be one of the top sides, especially if John Fletcher brings in another couple of top-class players in the summer. “We have a great squad and we are still in the hunt for Heineken Cup rugby for next season. “We need a couple of wins to get back into the top-six picture, but I’m sure we will do just that.” Tait said Fletcher made his choice as easy as he made it hard, leaving the door wide open for the former Barnard Castle schoolboy to step through if he wanted. Tait said: “Fletch sometimes is too nice for his own good, in that he tells all the boys to go and see what is out there and what they can get elsewhere. “He truly wants us to make the best decisions for ourselves, not for the whole benefit of the club. “But by doing that he gets the best out of us because we respect him for that – he is always up front and will always be honest “It’s something I respect a great deal and I know the other boys do too. “I did look at a couple of other offers, but did not take long to make up my mind to stay. “Everything is going well here and I’m excited by the prospect of another year at the club.” Tait and friends did not get the chance to go up against Danny Cipriani and Co on Friday night, the Falcons’ clash with Wasps called off due to high winds. A goalpost snapped under the pressure, and part of the stand housing was removed by the wind to boot, leaving referee Tony Spreadbury with no option but to cancel the match. The tie will now have to be played later in the calendar as Wasps turned down the opportunity to play the game yesterday afternoon. Whether the game will take place in midweek or in a cup window will not yet be decided – but both clubs are still in silverware hunts, Wasps in the EDF and Falcons in the European Challenge Cup. A midweek tie looks likely, but neither club boss seems too put out by that considering the severity of Friday’s safety issue. | 
