David Jones has stepped down as company chairman of JJB Sports, effective January 31, due to his long-running battle against Parkinson’s disease.


Last year, as JJB teetered on the brink of administration, Jones, the architect of the companys rescue, steered the firm through the £83 million ($132 million) sale of its fitness clubs, a debt restructuring with creditors and a £100 million ($160 million) rise in capital. 


John Clare, the former CEO of electronics retailer DSG International and JJB’s senior independent director, will relieve Jones as acting chairman until a permanent appointment is made. Last month, JJB confirmed that DSGI’s retail director, Keith Jones, will be its new CEO beginning March 1.


JJB reported sales at stores open over a year fell 21% in the three weeks ended January 24, resulting in a 37% cumulative decline for the 52 weeks ended January 24. Total sales slumped 51%.  Equally, the firm said its second-half gross margin of 40.4% was 260 basis points lower than the comparative period last year, but 6.4 points better than the first half.


With its stock position “steadily improving,” the company is on target to be fully stocked by April 2010, in time for Easter and the soccer World Cup.