Performance director to leave post due to family reasons

Rodger Harkins is stepping down as performance director of Scottish Athletics.

The Cheshire-based coach has decided to leave his role for family reasons, after leading Scotland to five medals at the Commonwealth Games.

The tally was up one on the Glasgow haul four years earlier, after which Harkins took over, and was achieved without the likes of Laura Muir and Andrew Butchart.

Harkins, who formerly coached Scottish 400 metre runner Lee McConnell, said in a statement: “I have decided to retire from my position as performance director of scottishathletics following on from a successful Commonwealth Games cycle.

“As some people within the sport will be aware, I live in Cheshire with my wife and have decided that I would like to spend more time with my family. I feel I have played a key role in supporting and developing the athletes and programmes during a period of great success for the organisation, but in particular, for Scottish athletes and coaches.

“I am leaving behind a strong staff team and a strong platform on which my successor can build upon. I wish everyone within athletics in Scotland all the best for the future and will no doubt continue to be visible at events across the UK.”

Chief executive Mark Munro vowed to further develop programmes of support for athletes and coaches when appointing a successor. He said: “It’s a vital role for the coming years and our aspiration has to be to maintain and enhance performance levels by Scottish athletes and give guidance and leadership to their coaches.”

Rodger Harkins says he is leaving his successor a “strong platform”.