Coe is part of a high-powered advisory group, also including former world 10,000 metres record holder Dave Bedford and Olympic medallist Brendan Foster, to support the work of Stewart who has been appointed to lead UK Athletics' endurance running strategy in the build-up to the London Olympics.

 

UKA's head coach Charles van Commenee has asked Stewart, the 1972 Olympic 5,000m bronze medallist and former world cross country champion, to formulate a programme to revitalise the ailing fortunes of British distance running.

 

During the early 1990s, Stewart worked as coach for the British junior men's team at the World Cross Country Championships.

 

As a personal coach he worked from Wolverhampton & Bilston AC, where he coached British internationals Karl Keska - Britain's most recent 10,000m Olympic top eight athlete - and Darius Burrows, amongst others.

Stewart reports directly to van Commenee and - in conjunction with him - will oversee the programmes of those key athletes who have been identified as potential medalists or finalists in London 2012.

He will also retain his position as meeting director for UK Athletics flag-ship televised meetings, in which he will utilise his outstanding world-wide athletics contacts to ensure no stone is left unturned in ensuring British athletes have the best competition opportunities on the international stage.

 

Stewart said: "I have been a world-class distance runner and I come from a generation that was used to Britain being amongst the world's leading endurance nations.

 

"The situation as it stands is far from perfect, but I think there are things we can do that will certainly improve our standing between now and 2012.

 

"Rome wasn't built in a day - this is a huge challenge. But I have strong views, I am very passionate and I am optimistic British athletes can return to prominence in middle and long distance running."

 

Van Commenee said: "I am delighted that Ian will be joining us at UK Athletics.

 

"He brings a breadth and depth of experience, knowledge and expertise of elite athletics than few can match.

 

"Britain has a tremendous heritage for endurance running, of which Ian has played a significant part.

"I am also excited that the group of seven of Britain's endurance running luminaries have made themselves available to support the future of the discipline as part of the advisory group.

 

"They know more than me on my own about this area and I am sure their contribution will be invaluable.

 

"I look forward to working with Ian and the wider group to help Britain's talented distance runners fulfill their potential.

Coe, the 1980 and 1984 Olympic 1500m champion, said: "What is important is that this group unites behind Charles, Ian and the wider endurance community in a positive and ambitious manner to do all we can to turn round our middle and long distance fortunes between now and 2012."

 

"When Charles asked me to chair to the group, I didn't hesitate.

 

"We have a great endurance heritage in this country and with that comes expertise, new ideas and a common desire to see our distance athletes achieve success."

 

Stewart, aware of the massive task ahead, said: "I have been a world-class distance runner and I come from a generation that was used to Britain being amongst the world's leading endurance nations.

 

"The situation as it stands is far from perfect, but I think there are things we can do that will certainly improve our standing between now and 2012."