Six-man Bout to Replace Edwards and Coach Gb's 2012 Team

The saga over who will replace Terry Edwards to guide Great Britain's team to the 2012 Olympics should be resolved within a week.It is likely there will be six trainers – four in England and one each in Scotland and Wales – under a head coach.

Kevin Hickey, the new performance director, has had lengthy discussions with members of the umbrella organisation, the British Amateur Boxing Association (BABA) responsible for the appointment and funding. At least one more meeting is scheduled before the announcement, bringing to an end a process that has dragged on since the team returned from Beijing in August.

Edwards, Britain's most successful post-war coach, was forced out in the unseemly aftermath of amateur boxing's best Olympics in 50 years because he expressed the view that the new set-up would be unwieldy and lead to disputes between competing factions. His critics accused him of failing to recognise the contributions of club coaches, and their voices were heard above those of his supporters.

Edwards had the backing of his seven-man Olympic squad, all but one of whom has turned professional since. There are several outstanding young amateurs coming through the ranks but they will not be encouraged to stay if the organising body cannot bring an end to infighting that has marred the sport for several years.

The BABA wants the new posts filled as soon as possible so the team can begin preparations for the Commonwealth Games in Delhi next year.

The former world champion Richie Woodhall was one of several strong candidates sounded out for the main job but declined because of other boxing and media commitments and will, instead, help out in a part-time role.