BILLERICAY Town footballer Joe Flack has become the first high profile local sporting figure to be struck down in the swine flu pandemic.
The striker complained of feeling unwell last week after returning from a foreign holiday and has been diagnosed with the virus.
Flack, who does not live locally, is recovering at home but had not been at the Ryman Premier Division club's New Lodge ground since his return from overseas.
Said manager Brian Statham: "Obviously Joe's welfare is the number one consideration, but it's also vital that he keeps clear of the rest of the squad to avoid the virus spreading.
"It's a great shame for Joe as we returned early to pre-season training and he'd been working really hard on his fitness for the new campaign and obviously this will put him back."
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