IWAN Thomas has distanced himself from talk of possible strike action by track and field stars following the launch of the new athletes' charity Positive Eye.

Southampton's European and Commonwealth 400 metres champion, pictured, is among a host of top names backing the charity, which aims to help athletes at all levels with support, advice, kit and even grants for those not receiving Lottery funding.

But, until he knows more about the project - the brainchild of high jumper Dalton Grant - Thomas is loathe to comment on sprinter Darren Campbell's warning of an athletes' strike if UK Athletics fails to devote more money to the grass roots of the sport.

"I've spoken briefly to Dalton about Positive Eye but I couldn't make the launch and I'm not getting involved in talk of strike action," said Netley-based Thomas. "I agree with the idea of protection for athletes and it's true that there's no money in athletics unless you're at the top of the sport.

"I had to work the first year I came to Southampton and that's what most of my training group are doing now. Lottery funding has helped a lot, but athletics will never be on a par with sports like football."

Thomas's coach Mike Smith dismissed strike suggestions as "a load of rubbish", but the man who also groomed Roger Black and Kriss Akabusi for stardom feels more funding would not go amiss at junior and under-23 levels.

"If, by putting a bit of pressure on, the top names can help grass roots athletics, then that's no bad thing, but strike talk is a nonsense," he said.

"It's one thing to boycott a GB v USA match, but what athlete in their right mind would miss the Olympics, World Championships or Commonwealth Games?

"The biggest problem is identifying athletes who justify financial support. Should you, for example, heavily back someone who has reached a decent level but is never going to be good enough to make major competitions?

"On the other hand, we've got promising athletes like hurdler Robert Lewis and sprinter Michael Parper who could do with a bit of financial support for warm-weather training, travel to competitions, medical treatment etc.

"What I don't believe in though is giving them money to live on."