Simon Timson has announced he will step down from his role as performance director at the Lawn Tennis Association to take up the same position at Premier League side Manchester City. 

The former bobsledder spent four years with the LTA in an attempt to improve the results of British tennis players.

Timson reintroduced a national academy system in Loughborough and Stirling in what he described as a 'ten-year strategy to make Great Britain one of the most respected nations for tennis development by 2028'.

Speaking about his departure, he said: "I think we have established a firm foundation for sustainable success, so I leave with a heavy heart."

Timson has previously dabbled in both winter and summer Olympics as well as cricket, but the switch to football will be a new challenge for the Leicester City fan.

Scott Lloyd, chief executive of the LTA, added: "I've no predetermined ideas for who that should be.

'It's a significant loss, always hard to lose great people. I'm very proud that Simon has attracted interest from Man City to work alongside Guardiola and others, it's a unique opportunity."