UK Athletics set to name new boss

Van Commenee coached former Olympic champion Denise Lewis

UK Athletics has revealed it intends to unveil its successor to performance director Max Jones next week.

Favourite to take over the role is former British triple jumper Keith Connor after chief rival Charles van Commenee pulled out of the race.

But a spokesman for UK Athletics told BBC Sport: "Contrary to reports, no appointment has been made."

Van Commenee has taken a job in his native Holland while Connor is head coach of Athletics Australia.

Connor, 47 won a bronze medal for Britain at the 1984 Olympics, as well as gold at both the 1978 and 1982 Commonwealth Games.

He set a world indoor record of 17.31m in 1981 and was ranked number one in the world in 1982.

He is thought to be in England discussing the new role but UK Athletics refused to be drawn.

The Dutch wanted me more and played the game to win... UK Athletics took too long Charles van Commenee

Their spokesman added: "There has been a shortlist for a while but UK Athletics has never confirmed any names, although some of the candidates have made themselves known in the press.

"We are still going through the process and will appoint the best candidate there is."

Van Commenee had been the initial favourite for the post before becoming technical director of the Netherlands Olympic Committee.

The Dutchman, who made his name helping coach Denise Lewis to gold at the 2000 Olympics, told The Times: "The Dutch wanted me more and played the game to win. UK Athletics took too long."

Following his decision, UK Athletics said: "We were aware of the possibility that he may be offered the job and he accepted this job during our selection process.

"He has made a significant contribution to athletics in the UK in his role as technical director for jumps and combined events and we wish him every success in his new role."