British Swimming appoints Maurice Watkins as new chairman

Former Manchester United director Maurice Watkins has been named as the new chairman of British Swimming.

The ex-Old Trafford executive has been tasked with leading the UK's professional swimmers to medal success in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.

British Swimming is in the midst of a personnel shake-up after failing to hit its medal target at London 2012.

A new head coach and performance director will also be appointed in the near future, but Watkins will play no part in the selection process aside from ensuring that the review panel's recommendations are carried out.

British Swimming chief executive David Sparkes said of Watkins's appointment: "He brings a wealth of experience in sport to the board.

"His leadership will, I am sure, enable the board to be more focused as we take on the lessons from London and prepare for Rio to achieve medal success across the sport."

British Swimming performance director Michael Scott and head coach Dennis Pursley both stepped down after Team GB failed to match its performance at Beijing 2008 during the London Olympics.