British Swimming name Maurice Watkins as their new chairman

At the London Olympics, British Swimming were aiming to beat the three medals (two golds from Rebecca Adlington – 400m and 800m freestyle – and a bronze from Jo Jackson – 400m freestyle) that they achieved in the pool in Beijing in 2008.

But they only managed a silver (Michael Jamieson, 200m breaststroke) and two bronzes (Adlington, 400m and 800m freestyle), which prompted a review and resignations of Scott and Pursley.

Mark Perry, head of development and open water swimming, currently holds the role of technical leader in a caretaker capacity, while David McNulty is the interim head coach.

The team are competing in the World Short Course Swimming Championships, external in Istanbul, Turkey.

Watkins, who is a director of Lancashire County Cricket Club, served on the Manchester United board for 28 years.

British Swimming chief executive David Sparkes said: “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.”