National performance director Michael Scott will be joined by internationally renowned coaches Ben Titley from Loughborough University and Fred Vergnoux from the City of Edinburgh in shaping Britain's build up to the 2008 Olympics.

 

The decision to implement a Leadership Group follows January's announcement that head coach Ian Turner will leave British Swimming at the end of the British Championships on April 6 to take up a role in New Zealand.

 

 "The goal of this Leadership Group is to effectively drive our preparations from the trials (British Championships) to the Games and while we're at the Olympics themselves," said Scott.

 

"Both Titley and Vergnoux have a proven track record of achieving impressive international results.

 

"At the World Championships last year, both had athletes achieving podium finishes and Titley has been head women's coach for a number of years.

 

"This group will ensure we maximise our performance outcomes and will be well supported by director of world class programmes and former national youth coach John Atkinson to lessen the impact on their individual coaching programme duties."
 
Coach Dave McNulty will take up the role of coaching Turner's Loughborough-based training group at the end of the trials when he will leave his Derwentside programme.

 

"McNulty is an experienced coach who has worked closely with the Loughborough group on many camps," said Scott.

 

"He's an ideal choice and it will be a fantastic opportunity for both him and the swimmers."

 

British Swimming will be advertising for a new head coach at the end of March with a view to appointing to this position following the Olympics.