Mr Knight takes on the role following the sudden death in October of the previous chief executive Duncan Sharpe.

Mr Sharpe, who was the son-in-law of JJB's chairman David Whelan, was found hanging from a tree near Bolton-by-Bowland in Lancashire.

He had been chief executive at the company since February 2001.

Experienced operator

Mr Knight joined JJB Sports in October from rival retail group Blacks Leisure, where he had been managing director of its sport and fashion division.

JJB said Mr Knight had a "particularly wide experience of the retail sports business", and chairman David Whelan said he was "delighted" with the appointment.

"JJB has great opportunities in the years ahead and Tom is the right person to execute the strategy and deliver the potential of the business," said Mr Whelan.

Two days after Mr Sharpe's death, JJB announced a big fall in half-year profits, which it blamed on poor summer weather and tough competition from High Street rivals.

Profits were down 17% on the previous year to �39.3m, and Mr Whelan warned at the time that conditions may become tougher if the economy deteriorated.

On the stock market, JJB shares closed down 10 pence at 179p on Tuesday.