Whelan to step down at JJB

DAVID Whelan is to step down as chairman of JJB Sports, the retailing and health clubs company.

Whelan set the business up 30 years ago after giving up a career as a professional footballer following a broken leg sustained in the 1960 FA Cup Final.

JJB has grown into a national high-street player. Lately, however, it has warned of a consumer slowdown and Whelan himself admitted last month that trading conditions were more difficult than he had known for a number of years.

Earlier this year JJB reported pre-tax profit before exceptionals of £63.3m for the year to the end of January, down 28% from the previous year.

JJB is unlikely to see the back of Whelan, however. As well as a significant 39% shareholding Whelan is likely to retain a position on the board.

The 68-year old entrepreneur is known to want to devote more time to Wigan Athletic, his football club that kicks off in the Premiership next month. Lawyer Roger Lane-Smith, already a JJB non-executive, is tipped to succeed him.