Simon Clegg, the former British Olympic Association Chief Executive, has become Town's new Chief Executive with immediate effect.

Clegg led Team GB's athletes in Beijing last summer and at the previous 11 Olympics, having joined them in January 1989 as the organisation's assistant general secretary after previously being in the army, where he rose to the rank of major.

The 49-year-old was awarded an OBE in 2000, an MBE six years later and is likely to be knighted in the wake of the success in Beijing.

Club owner Marcus Evans said: "Simon has built up an extensive knowledge of the sporting world through his role with the British Olympic Association and I'm delighted that he has agreed to join the Football Club.

"Not only does he have a wealth of experience in the world of sport, but he has proved to be a highly successful businessman and team leader and will have a key role in moving Ipswich Town forward."

Clegg says of his new role: "I am hugely flattered and excited about taking on this role at such a prestigious football club. Marcus Evans and I are absolutely aligned about our aspirations for the Club both on and off the pitch.

"I have joined Ipswich Town because I am absolutely convinced that working together with the fans, sponsors, community and staff we can once again put the Club back in its rightful place in the Premier League."

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