LONDON 2012: Williams's coach McFarlane to return to UKA coaching set-up

Posted: Thursday 9th February 2012 | 15:26

JODIE Williams has moved a step closer to making her outdoor major championship debut with the appointment of coach Mike McFarlane to the UK Athletics staff.

RISING STAR: Jodie Williams is one of British track and field's hottest talents - her coach is now joining UK Athletics as assistant sprint relay coach (Getty Images)

McFarlane will be assistant coach to the women's 4x100m relay team in Olympic year, fuelling speculation that 18-year old Williams - form permitting - will finally feature on the big stage.

His return to the UKA coaching set up comes just over two years after he was controversially shown the door by head coach Charles van Commenee in a shake-up of the organisation's sprint coaches, although the Dutch coach has no concerns about the appointment.

"The home Games affords us a unique opportunity to increase the man power working in support of our athletes, and Mike offers a high level of experience in relay preparations in the build up to London," he said.

“Mike has excellent experience in coaching relays, and his continued presence as a successful coach in the sprint community means he is already a familiar face to our key athletes.”

McFarlane and van Commenee have previously disagreed on the best way of managing Williams's transition from all-conquering junior to senior athletics.

Last year he refused to put his star charge forward for the World Championships in Daegu, preferring her to focus on junior events and school work.

And he has consistently advised the A-Level student against taking National Lottery funding because it would mean that he would lose control over her race schedule.

“I’m delighted to be involved with the women’s 4x100 relay team," said McFarlane, who won Olympic 4x100m silver in Seoul with Linford Christie, John Regis and Elliot Bunney.

“It’s great that I was asked. It’s a home Olympics and you can’t get any bigger than that. It’s essential that the athletes get the best possible preparation going in to the Games and I’m more than happy to oblige.

“I’ve known Lloyd for years and we’ve coached and competed in the same patch for a long time now so I’m looking forward to working with him and the squad.”