MAX JONES, Great Britain’s performance director, admitted yesterday that his squad for the Olympic Games in Athens this summer was likely to be weaker than that taken to Sydney four years ago and that the situation worried him. In an attempt to boost morale with a good showing at the European Cup next month, he has sent what he described as “a strongly-worded letter” reminding athletes of their responsibilities.

“If you look at 1998, 2000 and 2002, when our men won the European Cup, we had great seasons in the major championships,” Jones said. “When we have not won the European Cup, we have not done so well. If you win the European Cup, it gives you a lift. It seems to lead to a good season.”

Britain won six medals, including two gold, in Sydney and, asked at the Norwich Union Olympic training camp here what his minimum acceptable haul for Athens would be, Jones replied: “To come home with a smile on my face, I would say six medals. That is the same as Sydney — what we have not got is the same number of probables.” He rates only Paula Radcliffe, the marathon world record holder, as solid for gold.

“Going into Sydney, I had Denise Lewis, Jonathan Edwards, Colin Jackson and Steve Backley, whom I thought were 90 per cent sure of medalling. Only Jackson didn’t. This time I have probably got Paula Radcliffe — and, arguably, maybe Kelly Holmes. I have not got the same amount of probables.” Asked if he was worried, he replied: “Yes. I would much rather be like Sweden, with three medals in the bag.

“But we have probably got, give or take one or two, the same amount of possibles. Sitting in the bath contemplating who could win medals, you come out with a very long list. We have a dozen or so who can medal, but we have got to wait and see whether they can do a Hayley Tullett or a Darren Campbell.

“You take Chris Tomlinson (in the long jump),” Jones said. “If he does 8.40, he can win a medal. There is still a high number of possibles if you get into that kind of fantasy.

“Winning a gold medal is probably essential. For the press, and the people back home, winning one gold takes a huge amount of pressure off. Thankfully, Paula Radcliffe is training well (after injury). She is back in 100 per cent shape.” The European Cup in Bydgoszcz, Poland, Jones added, was still being considered as part of her schedule.