How new LTA chief Michael Downey can avoid a pounding

25 September 2013

Michael Downey is remarkably upbeat for a man who has just been handed a job seen more of a poisoned chalice than a golden opportunity to establish yourself on tennis’ world stage.

When Downey begins his new job as chief executive of the Lawn Tennis Association on January 6 he will follow in the footsteps of Roger Draper, whose seven years in charge ends this week after a reign disfigured by criticism from Baroness Billingham, chair of the Parliamentary All Party Tennis Group.

A drop in playing numbers — since claimed to have been reversed — ultimately did for Draper at a time when internationally British tennis has not had it so good since the days of Fred Perry.

World No3 Andy Murray is the reigning Wimbledon and Olympic champion, won the US Open last year and has just helped Great Britain into the Davis Cup World Group for the first time since 2008. Laura Robson is a top-30 player in the women’s game with Heather Watson having risen to No39 during her equally young career.

Patently, Draper had reasons to be cheerful, however, with a bonus-related salary of £640,000 he was always on dodgy ground and will no doubt enjoy his time out of the firing line as Downey swaps the relative backwaters of day-to-day Canadian tennis life for one of the highest profile jobs in the sport.

With more than £30m to spend every year courtesy of the Wimbledon profits, Downey has the financial clout to put into action his vision for the future of British tennis.

So what are his priorities? First it is important to understand what attracted the former president and chief executive of Tennis Canada to the LTA selection panel.

“We set out to recruit a CEO with true success in business, with exceptional leadership credentials and ideally with significant knowledge of tennis,” said LTA chairman David Gregson after Downey’s unveiling yesterday. “Michael demonstrably fits the bill perfectly and was the unanimous choice of our recruitment panel.”

Business success, leadership and a knowledge of tennis would appear to be merely the basic requirements for the role and, having satisfied these, Downey has to add something extra to stamp his mark on the job.

Firstly, he will be expected to replicate the success he enjoyed in spearheading a drive to increase playing numbers in Canada as the LTA face a funding cut from central Government if they do not prove the sport is growing here.

Secondly, Downey must ensure tennis regains lost credibility with its grassroots, properly listening to those who are at the forefront of the attempt to find the best young talent.

Lastly, Downey has to change the perception that the LTA just throw money at perceived problems without understanding their own members and the impact this has on the wider sporting nation.

“If only we had the LTA’s money” is a lament often heard from so many other sports and with just one man in the top 100 it is hard for anyone at the LTA to claim they have done a great job. This public perception is the most difficult problem the new man faces.

“It has been nothing but an honour to lead Tennis Canada for nearly a decade,” said Downey. “I leave knowing that Canada is making great progress in becoming a world leading tennis nation. I am so proud of what we have done together with our partners to grow the sport across all disciplines in Canada.

“I depart with mixed feelings because Tennis Canada is a great organisation comprised of great people including a best in class board of directors. I will be cheering from the sidelines.”

Let’s hope British tennis supporters are doing the same here.

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How new LTA chief Michael Downey can avoid a pounding

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