Felgate will have plenty to ponder in his new role

It seems, in many ways, the impossible job - critics are already saying he is not up to the task.

They argue that his appointment is a backward step, that Felgate is a safe option who will not give British tennis the radical shake-up it needs.

But others claim that even if he fails to improve the status of British tennis Felgate can hardly be blamed.

Felgate: No more excuses

He takes over as Britain's brightest star, his former charge Tim Henman, approaches the end of his career.

Greg Rusedski - Britain's only other player in the top strata of tennis - continues to struggle with injury and there are no world-class stars emerging from the junior ranks.

FELGATE FACTFILE 1964: Born in Essex 1984: British National doubles champion. 1988: Only Wimbledon singles appearance, losing in the first round to Ivan Lendl. 1992: Begins coaching Tim Henman 2001: Splits with Henman after Davis Cup victory over Portugal 2002: Felgate takes post with management group IMG 2003: Confirmed as LTA's new performance director

Felgate will certainly need to draw on the top-level experience he brings to the role.

Although he never made a great impact as a tour professional, his nine years as Tim Henman's coach earned him considerable respect.

He guided Henman to seven ATP tour titles, two Wimbledon semi-finals and a career-high ranking of number five in the world.

A Grand Slam title has so far eluded Henman - but Britain's number one has reached a standard far higher than any British player in recent memory, save Rusedski.

Henman still has plenty of respect for his former coach and his statement that Felgate would be "the best person for the job" undoubtedly holds sway among the tennis elite.

But some have said that appointing a British performance director after the work of French predecessor Patrice Hagelauer will not take the game forward.

HAVE YOUR SAY How typical that they chose a man behind a nearly champion, instead of a true champion like McEnroe From Jon, England Join the debate

In particular, Felgate's promotion is seen by some to be to the detriment of John McEnroe.

The American tennis legend said this week he would have been interested in a "limited role" at the LTA, but says he has heard nothing.

Felgate brings vast experience of tennis politics, through his work with the IMG sports management agency, but he does not have the same inspirational qualities - or indeed high profile - of someone like McEnroe.

Whether the two will ever work together at the LTA remains to be seen.

Regardless, Felgate will have a tough task convincing the doubters he is the right choice, and an even tougher task keeping British tennis as a credible force on the world stage.