ATHLETICS: David Moorcroft has announced he will resign as chief executive of UK Athletics.

Moorcroft will step down after nine years at the helm of UKA and its predecessor, the British Athletics Federation.

He will leave amid growing criticism of the sport's governing body, following disappointing performances at this month's European Championships and March's Commonwealth Games.

"I am convinced that I am taking the right decision at the right time," said the former world 5,000metres world record holder. "Athletics now has the system, funding facilities and, most importantly, the people in place to take the sport into the next phase of its development."

Moorcroft's tenure has been troubled with constant criticism about his management, particularly at grassroots level.