Selection News
Bens Return
Coach Wayne Shelford names a 22-man squad to face Newcastle Falcons in the Quarter Final of the Parker Pen Challenge Cup and welcomes back two players who have been missing of late. Ben Johnston, who has been absent for the last month after undergoing minor surgery, has returned to full fitness and is included in Shelford's 22. He joins the battle for a midfield berth along with Tim Horan, Kevin Sorrell and Tom Shanklin. Also returning is No. 8 Ben Russell who makes his first appearance since his return from Sevens duty last month.
Missing from the squad is Thomas Castaignede who was originally named but has pulled out this afternoon after failing a late fitness test. The French star was hoping to return but with further treatment expects to be available for the return leg next weekend.
"We haven't been able to get through proper running sessions over the last few days." Explained Shelford. "With the ground being so hard it's been difficult to to put everything into practice yet to finalise our starting line up. We're hoping that conditions improve over the next 48 hours so that we can tinker with the combinations like who's going to play No. 10 Tim (Horan) or Andy (Goode). That decision also impacts the midfield with Ben (Johnston) returning and we need to get the boys running together before we can see who's suited best where."

Leicester v Saracens
So Close
Saracens came close to securing their first away win at Welford Road last Saturday. Following a great first half performance, which included a try from Adryan Winnan after some great work from Darragh O'Mahony and Brett Sparg, Saracens went in at half time with an 8-11 lead. But in the second half, the Tigers hit back through their forwards and  took the lead. A Kevin Sorrell charge-down picked up by Tim Horan enabled Saracens to secure a well-deserved bonus point with a try under the posts, the final score 23-18.

Saracens v Newcastle Falcons
Quarter Final Time
This Sunday, 12th January, The Men in Black (or Red as they will be this weekend, playing in the Saracens European Jersey - available from the Club Shop) take on Newcastle Falcons in the home leg of the Parker Pen Challenge Cup Quarter Final.
Please don't rush off after the match as we will be announcing the winner of the Reebok Player of the Month for December. We will also be presenting prop Mike Storey (who joins us until the end of the season on front row cover) with his debut cap, with scrum half Dan Kirton (also on cover until the end of the season) receiving his should he make an appearance off the bench.

Season Ticket Holders
Special Match Voucher
This is the last guaranteed game at which season ticket holders can use their SPECIAL MATCH VOUCHER, so please join us! Season ticket holders who have already used their Special Match Voucher are reminded that they will need to purchase a ticket for this game. Reserved seats are being held until 5pm today (Thursday).
Don't forget, ticket prices rise on the day of the game so book online in advance and note your season ticket details in the comments box.
It is vital that we go into next Sunday's away leg with a good advantage, and the guys need your vocal support to push them all the way, so please don your thermals and come along!

The Big Freeze
Under-soil Heating On!
Although the forecast is for an increase in temperature, the ground staff at Vicarage Road Stadium are taking no chances and the under-soil heating went on yesterday to ensure there's no risk of a frozen pitch on Sunday.

Horan Column Returns
Lifting the Lid on Christmas
Saracens' Tim Horan files his first column of the new year after giving himself a couple of weeks off. He uncovers what's been going on around the training ground over Christmas and lets you in on a couple of New Year's Resolutions.
Check out the News page!

Parker Pen Competition
Win A £100 Pen
Generous tournament sponsors Parker Pen have provided a prize of a high quality Parker Pen (RRP £100) for one lucky fan. To have a chance of winning this sleek Parker Pen simply answer the following question: How many tries were scored in Saracens record 151-0 defeat against Dynamo Bucharest at Vicarage Road on Sunday 20th October in the Parker Pen Challenge Cup?
Please email mattjones@saracens.net with your answer and name and address. A draw will determine the winner, with three runners-up prizes of a Saracens t-shirt. Closing date: Monday 13th January, 5pm.

New Chief Exec Visits
Sinderberry In Town
Saracens' new Chief Executive Mark Sinderberry has been in England with his wife Jodie this week looking for a new home before their big move with their two children at the beginning of February.
Mark visited Welford Road on Satuday to see the guys in action on the pitch and then spent time at both the Watford Office and the Training Ground getting a feel for the club.

Fan Clubs Party
Spaces Still Available
There are still some spaces available for the JFC/clubonefive New Year Party to be held on Tuesday 21st December from 5pm to 7pm in the Members' Bar at Vicarage Road.
If you would like to come give Sandra James a call on 01923 204605. Tickets are £3 for members and £5 for friends and parents.

Marathon Runners
"You CAN with ASPIRE"
Complete The Flora London Marathon 2003 on Sunday 13th April on behalf of Saracens' nominated charity ASPIRE.  Help those who, through their spinal cord injury, may never run again. E-mail Lynsey Coles: lynseyc@aspire.org.uk  or call 020 8420 6706.

Away Matches
Ticket Info
Newcastle v Saracens (Parker Pen Challenge Cup Quarter Final, Second Leg), Sunday 19th January, 2.30pm kick off. We have seating tickets at £21 for adults and £11 for concessions; terracing is £13 for adults and £7 for concessions.
Gloucester v Saracens (Powergen Cup Quarter Final).
We have seating tickets at £22 (no concessions); terracing is £14 for adults, £7 for OAP's and students and £3 for juniors.

World of Watford
Closing Down
The WFC -un World of Watford store in the Harlequin Centre will be closing down at the end of the month, but Saracens merchandise will still be available online at saracens.com 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or from the Vicarage Road Club Shop on matchdays.

That's all from The Men In Black until next week.
To keep up-to-date with all the news, log in to saracens.com