UK Athletics can confirm that Scott Simpson has resigned from the position of Head of Field and CE and will leave this post in the New Year having expressed a wish to return to his preferred role of full time coach to elite pole vault athletes.

In order to minimise disruption to the UKA performance team towards their Olympic and Paralympic preparations, he has agreed to maintain a consultancy role through until after Paris, providing continuity to a number of World Class programme athletes and coaches, ensuring a smooth transition for those concerned.

Olympic Head Coach Paula Dunn said:

“Whilst sorry to lose Scott from the lead Field and Combined Events role, I am glad we will still retain his input towards Paris in these key months ahead as well as the benefit of his coaching expertise.

“I’d like to thank him for his contribution to the World Class Programme over the years in both coaching and leadership roles, and everyone wishes him well with the new opportunities ahead that await him as he returns to coaching full time.

“For now though, the focus remains on ensuring continuity for the athletes and coaches in the field and combined events area, and ensuring world class support ahead of the Games.”