Double Olympic gold medallist Steve Williams joins Ipswich Town staff

Double Olympic gold medallist Steve Williams has joined Ipswich Town as a fitness consultant ahead of the new Championship season.

Williams, 36, who was a member of Britain's coxless fours gold medal-winning rowing team at the 2004 and 2008 Games, will work alongside fitness coach Andy Liddell at Portman Road.

Ipswich manager Paul Jewell told the club's website: "Steve brings with him a wealth of knowledge of competitive sport and what it takes to get to the very top.

"The stats showed we were among the fittest sides in the Championship last season but it's important to explore every new angle of fitness and match preparation."

Ipswich finished 15th last term and will be looking for a good start to the new season when they welcome relegated Blackburn Rovers to Suffolk on the opening day on August 18.