Jones takes up key role

ATHLETICS:Athletics Ireland yesterday unveiled Max Jones as their new Director of Athletics, one of the key positions in the continuing overhaul of structures within the sport. As Britain's former high-performance director he brings considerable experience to the role, which he takes over with immediate effect.

With coaching expertise in a variety of events, including throws, Jones headed Britain's high-performance programme from 1997 until 2005, and still acts as strength and conditioning coach to Paula Radcliffe.

He oversaw a European Cup success but had mixed success at major championships, and he resigned after the European Indoors in Madrid two years ago.

Jones' new position with Athletics Ireland will see him have overall responsibility for Ireland's international athletes.

"He will be instrumental in developing our high performance programme and will also be looking into developing our coaching programme as we focus on the 2012 Olympics in London," said Brendan Hackett, chief executive of Athletics Ireland.

Though based in Birmingham, Jones will spend about two-thirds of the year in Ireland, overseeing the training and competition of elite athletes across all events, while also working closely with their coaches.