Collins leaves UK Athletics

Collins has left his post with immediate effect after being told his contract, due to expire next March, would not be renewed.

Charles van Commenee, who as chef de mission led Holland to their second most successful Olympics in Beijing, where they won 16 medals including seven golds, is being tipped to succeed Collins.

The Dutchman was a candidate after the retirement of Collins' predecessor Max Jones four years ago but, frustrated by the slowness of the interview procedure, instead accepted the job of performance director with his national Olympic committee.

UK Athletics chief executive Niels de Vos believes the time is right for a change, with the Olympic Games in London in four years' time in mind.

De Vos said: "I would like to place on record my thanks to Dave for his contribution to the sport over the last four years.

"He has led a radical overhaul of our performance systems which will provide solid foundations on which we can now build to ensure athletics fully meets the challenges of 2012 and beyond.

"Our planning for this next Olympic cycle got under way several months ago and this decision and any subsequent appointment is the culmination of this detailed process.

"It certainly is not a negative reflection on what has gone before, on the contrary there is no doubt we have made progress since 2004.

"However we now need to take the next step on the performance ladder and give ourselves and British athletes the very best chance of success at a home Games in 2012."