Paula's dad asked to save athletics

Paula Radcliffe's father was today given the job of changing the face of English athletics in a revolutionary move which has already caused controversy.

Peter Radcliffe, a retired human resources manager who has never held a leading post in athletics apart from the chairmanship of his daughter's club, Bedford, will head an interim organisation which will set up a new governing body for England by April 2006.

The move has already surprised some of the sport's old heads.

But the changes are part of a radical overhaul of British athletics, ordered by Sport England, which distributes Lottery money. It is clear that the decision is aimed at shaking the cages of conservative officials who are accused of holding back the sport with political in-fighting.

It is also becoming increasingly likely that UK Athletics will take the unprecedented step of appointing a performance director from outside of the sport next week.

Radcliffe, whose business background is in the brewery industry, has firm views about how athletics should be run and has a reputation for being feisty.

'England Athletics' will take control after the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

By then Radcliffe will have appointed a new chief executive and set up a financial system to make sure it is run efficiently. The aim is to create a new network of coaches and regional bases where the Paula Radcliffes of the future can be discovered and nurtured.

Sport England, frustrated by the political in-fighting, has demanded major changes.

Radcliffe's appointment has been orchestrated by Sir Andrew Foster, who conducted an independent review of the sport earlier this year.