Poor performances hurt Newcastle bottom line

ENGLISH Premiership soccer club Newcastle United said yesterday it has made a full-year loss after a disappointing performance last season.

Announcing results for the year to July 31, Newcastle, whose players include Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given as well as defender Steven Carr, said it booked a £104,000 (€150,000) loss after finishing 14th in the league, following a £4.17m profit the previous year.

Turnover fell to £87.0m from £90.2m while players’ wages climbed to £50.2m from £44.9m. The purchase of England striker Michael Owen from Real Madrid was not included in the accounts.