While some behind the scenes have been plotting the downfall of Terry Edwards, the Great Britain head coach and performance director, the backing he has from the boxers can never have been doubted.

James DeGale's performance yesterday to reach the Olympic middleweight final made this the best Games for Great Britain since 1956. But what should have been the pinnacle of Edwards's coaching career has been overshadowed by a campaign to undermine him from the hierarchy of the Amateur Boxing Association of England (ABA).

DeGale was quick to speak out in Edwards's defence, adding that several members of the elite Britain team, himself included, said that they would only consider staying amateur for the London 2012 Games if Edwards was still in charge.

“Terry does not get enough respect,” DeGale said. “We've all got respect for him, he's like a second dad.”

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On Wednesday the ABA made an announcement that Billy Joe Saunders, a member of the Britain team, was suspended. A move that was seemingly timed to undermine Edwards, while a senior ABA official launched an anonymous attack on Edwards in a national newspaper.

“This has been happening for God knows how long,” Edwards said. “I came here to do a job, I don't know what their agenda is. My agenda is to get boxers through to the final.

“I find the timing of it all unbelievable. If there are grievances, they can be dealt with at the right time and that was not the right time. It's been a difficult couple of days for me personally. We've come here to do a job, not to argue with anybody.”