NEWCASTLE United last night drew a veil over the embarrassing Gang of Four episode which marred their trip to Spain last week.

Kieron Dyer, Carl Cort, Craig Bellamy and Andy Griffin were yesterday disciplined by the club for failing to attend a dinner on the Costa del Sol in honour of former chairman Sir John Hall.

United declined to reveal whether the players had been fined, and decided against issuing any formal statement, but a club spokesman said: "The matter is closed.''

The players, who insist their non-appearance was not intended as a snub, have been told any further breach of discipline will not be tolerated.

Manager Bobby Robson and chairman Freddy Shepherd were furious with the quartet, who were ordered home on the first available flight.

But United are now determined to play down any controversy and focus attention on Saturday's Premiership game at Fulham.

Meanwhile, Robson's attempt to restore his backroom staff to full strength could soon come to fruition, with former Middlesbrough coach David Geddis in the running for a job at St. James' Park.

Carlisle-born Geddis, who was a victim of Steve McClaren's new broom at Boro in the summer, attended United's reserve-team game against Aston Villa at Kingston Park on Monday night.

The 43-year-old former Darlington striker played under Robson at Ipswich and was widely regarded to have been unlucky to lose his position as Boro reserve-team coach.

Robson's only back-up since the surprise summer departure of head coach Mick Wadsworth, has been provided by first-team coach John Carver.

* Out-of-favour Newcastle left-back Wayne Quinn could link up with First Division Preston North End once he has recovered from a thigh injury.

Newcastle will be looking to recoup a sizeable slice of the £800,000 they paid Sheffield United for Quinn in February

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