SIXWAYS stalwart Chris Pennell admits he feels a “bit of jealousy” towards Newcastle Falcons after seeing their shock rise to the top four.

Along with Worcester Warriors, Falcons have been regulars in the bottom half of the Aviva Premiership table and were widely tipped to struggle again heading into the 2017-18 season.

But Dean Richards’ side have upset the odds, edging 10-time English champions Leicester Tigers into fourth spot to set up a play-off semi-final tie against Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park today (3.30pm).

Warriors, meanwhile, failed to buck the trend as they finished just one place above the relegation zone for the second successive season.

But Pennell reckoned a strong start to the campaign was all it took to change the club’s mind-set as he felt Falcons proved after an opening-day 35-8 thrashing of Worcester at Kingston Park in September.

“We can take a bit of inspiration (from what Newcastle have achieved) but there is a bit of jealously as well,” the 31-year-old said.

“I would love to have that different outlook from the start which is massive for a group.”

While Newcastle won four of their opening five league games, Warriors went on a run of six straight defeats to languish at the foot of the table before beating Northampton Saints in November.

“The start of the season is vital and we have never really had what we would deem as a good start,” Pennell continued.

“We have had wins on the opening day but never four wins in that first six games so we are straight away on the back foot.

“But if we can have a good pre-season and keep the guys fit there is no reason why we can’t have a completely different outlook on where we are going next season.”

Richards, who was named director of rugby of the season at the Premiership Rugby Awards, has been in charge of Falcons since 2012.

Warriors on the other hand have gone through several changes in management with Alan Solomons the latest to take the reins.

But Pennell felt Worcester were “starting to build some consistency” as they bid to pull clear of relegation trouble next season.

“We have obviously seen a lot of coaching changes and a lot of player turnover,” Pennell said.

“The key thing for us now is going to be consistency and that is starting to come.

“If you look at the number of players coming in and the number of players leaving compared to years gone by there are far fewer.

“That’s a really positive sign for me that we are starting to build some consistency and create some long-lasting relationships on the field which can only bode well for the ambition of finishing in the top half.”

Warriors have made 10 signing ahead of the 2018-19 campaign including internationals Francois Venter, Duncan Weir and Cornell du Preez.

“I have been very impressed with the level of recruitment that Solly has been able to achieve,” Pennell added.

“We are devastated to be losing some of the guys but when people move on it opens up space for someone else.

“I am really impressed with the youngsters that we have got coming through as well so right now it just seems like a very positive place to be.”