He will work under Ian Stewart, the head of endurance, under the new structure established by Britain's head coach Charles van Commenee.

 

Gandy, who has over 40 years experience in the sport, has long been recognised as one of the country's top endurance coaches and, besides Coe, has worked with athletes such Jon Brown and Jack Buckner from his renowned Loughborough University coaching base.
 
Among his many achievements he worked with Coe through to win 1500 metres Olympic gold medals in 1980 and 1984 and Buckner to 5,000m European gold but most recently he coached Lisa Dobriskey to a silver medal in the 1500m at the World Championships in Berlin this year.
 
Gandy said: "I am deeply honoured to be appointed as a national event Coach for UKA.

 

"I see myself working and supporting a plan which is already largely in place and look forward to forming successful partnerships with other leading coaches and athletes within the 800m to marathon event group.
 
"Having been associated with successful organisations and teams for a number of years, it is an exciting but challenging prospect to elevate this experience onto an international stage.

 

"The connection with the 2012 Olympics is obviously thrilling but the other major competitions on the way must not be forgotten."

 

Van Commenee said: "To have George working as a national event coach brings us one step closer to competing strategic plans which were put into place earlier this year.

 

"He brings with him vast experience and proven track record of coaching athletes to global medal success.
 
"George will pass on his knowledge and experience to athletes and other coaches as part of UKA’s aims to develop the sport and create a sporting legacy."
 
Since van Commenee took over as head coach earlier this year eight national event coaches have been appointed in the areas of men's and women's sprints, high jump, pole vault, triple jump, long jump, combined events and hurdles.