Moorcroft to leave UK Athletics

David Moorcroft has announced he will resign as chief executive of UK Athletics.

Moorcroft, a former world 5,000metres world record-holder, will step down after nine years at the helm of UKA and the governing body's predecessor, the British Athletics Federation.

"I am convinced that I am taking the right decision at the right time," said Moorcroft. "Athletics now has the system, funding facilities and, most importantly, the people in place to take the sport into the next phase of its development."

Moorcroft added: "I have been chief executive for nine challenging and rewarding years and I have decided it is the right time to let someone new take the helm and lead the sport through to (London) 2012.

"I am proud of the UK Athletics I am leaving behind - the programme of support for athletes at every level is better than it has ever been.

"It has also been hugely encouraging to see a number of young talented athletes emerging on the international scene over the last year.

"These athletes will be in their prime in 2012 and athletics in the UK is now in the position to support their Olympics aspirations."