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05 Aug 04 12:55 13:55 UK |
Newcastle United FC has closed its training ground and is taking medical advice after members of its first team were hit by an eye infection.
The outbreak of conjunctivitis, which has claimed four victims in the past five days, has also affected the team's pre-season preparations.
Manager Sir Bobby Robson is concerned that further players might be put out of action in the next few days.
The team lost a pre-season friendly against Celtic on Wednesday night.
'Four infected'
Shay Given, Andy O'Brien, Lee Bowyer and reserve keeper Tony Caig have all been diagnosed with the highly-contagious disease.
Sir Bobby said: "The incubation period is five to seven days, so there could still be some players who have got it.
"Everybody is worried about it, we're going to close the whole place down."
The team is receiving specialist medical advice, and will be modifying the players' pre-season training regime.
However, there is some good news for the club - accountants Deloitte have put Newcastle United third in the football finance league table of Premiership clubs.
According to their annual revue of football finances, the Magpies made a profit of £4.3m pounds in the 2002/3 season, just a year after making a loss of £3m pounds.