LEON Smith, the Great Britain Davis Cup captain, has been confirmed as Tennis Scotland's new performance director. Herald Sport revealed during last year's Wimbledon that talks were under way with a view to giving Smith overall charge of developing the performance arm of the sport in Scotland. While the process has been slowed by his various LTA reviews and his responsibilities in leading Great Britain to that famous Davis Cup win in Ghent, the news that he will join the board in a non-executive capacity is hugely welcome.
While he will continue in his dual role of AEGON GB Davis Cup captain and LTA Head of Men’s Tennis, this position will allow him to spend more time at his home in Edinburgh, where he has three small children. His brother Toby already has a lead coaching role with the organisation.
"I am delighted to take up this offer from the Chair and the Board at Tennis Scotland," said Smith. "I am passionate about assisting to deliver a structure and programme that will help to achieve the goals we all want in terms of appropriate opportunities and outcomes for tennis in Scotland.
“There have been changes recently at Tennis Scotland and I do believe the sport is heading in the right direction which is really exciting," he added. "I would like to contribute to this and work closely with the Chair, the Board and the staff to help influence the future for tennis in Scotland."
Blane Dodds, the chair of Tennis Scotland, said the appointment proves the sport is moving in the right direction. “This is a key role for us and I am convinced that the ambitious new plans we are making and the support we are receiving, are beginning to show progress," he said. "It is a significant step forward for us for Leon to be joining Tennis Scotland and the objective is to deliver more in Scotland on the back of the world class achievements that both Andy and Jamie Murray, and others, are delivering."
LTA Chief Executive Michael Downey commented, “This is terrific opportunity for Leon to contribute to Performance Tennis in Scotland in a new role, from a Board perspective. He brings enormous passion as well as vast hands-on experience to bear, with the aim of enhancing the coaching and development of younger players in Scotland."
Glasgow born Leon (40), who was awarded an OBE earlier this month for his services to the sport, was appointed Davis Cup captain in 2010, earning his place in sporting history by captaining GB to their first Davis Cup victory since 1936, beating Belgium in last November’s final. Leon worked closely with Andy Murray from the age of 11 to 17 in the goal of assisting in developing the enormous talent that Andy Murray has now realised. Current chief executive David Marshall is due to step down as chief executive of Tennis Scotland after this year's Wimbledon. A new LTA performance director, Simon Timson, will join that organisation immediately after the Olympics.
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