€9.1m loss for Magpies

NEWCASTLE have recorded a loss of £6.3million (€9.1m) for the past half-year.

The pre-tax loss, published in the club’s interim results for the six months ending January 31, 2006, compares to a profit of £9.7m (€13.9m) over the same period last year.

The losses are principally attributed to a fall in overall revenue from £49.5m (€71.6m) to £43m (€62.2m) - due to the club having six fewer fixtures.

Newcastle has invested heavily in players - signing Michael Owen, Albert Luque and Nolberto Solano.

Profit before player trading was £2.7m (€3.9m), down from £8.5m (€12.3m) on the same period last year.