Scot to replace departing Stephen Maguire who is to join UKA as “head of power”

Scottish Athletics has confirmed that Rodger Harkins is to take over as director of coaching at the national governing body following the departure of Stephen Maguire to UK Athletics.

Harkins, who built his reputation as coach to the recently-retired three-time Olympian Lee McConnell, is to start in post early in October, with Maguire moving south of the border to take on the role as “head of power” for sprints, sprint hurdles and relays at UKA.

The 54-year-old Scot moves across from a part-time Scottish Athletics role working on relays, Harkins having handled the Commonwealth Games build-up for Scotland’s 4x400m relay teams in Glasgow where the men’s team set a national record when finishing fifth in the final and the women’s quartet set a native record.

“The process of replacing Stephen was a good challenge,” commented Scottish Athletics chief executive Nigel Holl, pictured above with Harkins and European 1500m bronze medallist Chris O’Hare. “Some excellent coaches applied, but this role is more than just about coaching the leadership to the performance coaching arena is vital, and I am delighted that Rodger has agreed to take this role on.

“He has excellent coaching pedigree, of course, and has strong links himself to UK Athletics (through his support to Lee over the years). He has a vision, a passion, and a determination to see Scottish coaches and Scottish athletes succeed, on the biggest stages possible.”

Harkins, who has himself competed at international level in both the triple jump and 400m hurdles, has coached athletes to the last eight Commonwealth Games and been involved in coaching the GB & NI team at junior level in sprints and relays.

“I am delighted to accept the director of coaching post with Scottish Athletics and look forward to starting in the role soon,” said Harkins.

“I think it is a very exciting time for the sport in Scotland. We have had a home Games which captured the imagination and a number of athletes proved they could perform at that level. It was a large Scotland team and there is a lot of promise there for the Gold Coast in 2018 with 29 of those involved at Glasgow 2014 having been aged 23 or under. Many will have learned significantly from their first Commonwealth Games experience.

“When you couple that with huge entry numbers at the Scottish age group championships in Aberdeen recently, then it is clear to me there s an up-and-coming generation who, with the help of their coaches, have the potential to grow and improve.”

He added: “Coaching and coach education is vital as part of that package. We ve had increasing ‘buy-in over the past couple of years into coaching weekends and on-going courses held by Scottish Athletics and I want to carry on that part of Stephen Maguire s work.”

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