Collins rules his top job is safe

GARRY COLLINS says his chief executive officer's job is safe and he cannot be voted out of office next week. The Bowls Guernsey supremo said the talk of him being ousted from his two-year stint had been 'quite comical'.

'We're playing by the rules and I'm not prepared to break the rules and please people who are unhappy and want me out.

'I wasn't going to do their homework for them,' he added.

The revelation that the CEO was untouchable angered his opponents, one of whom, island player Steve Bichard, said: 'It's ridiculous. It's a dictatorship.

'As things stand we want to put someone forward but it seems we can't.

Bichard and others are unhappy with an agenda that makes no allowance for Collins to be toppled by a show of hands.

The only elections will be for president - Ian Merrien is standing down and is set to be replaced by Jackie Nicolle - junior vice-president, assistant chief executive, assistant finance and travel officer and several selection committee roles.

Collins believes he still has the backing of the majority, but if there was a strong feeling towards him on the night he would 'walk'.

'I've spoken to the council about resigning but they've said ?why should you resign when you want to carry on with the job??

'If everyone comes along and says we don't want you, then I'd walk. But I'm still confident.

'I'm not running campaigns for support. I think the majority of the members are happy.'

Collins' likely retention of his job will be good news to those bowlers shortlisted for the Commonwealth Games.

The proposed new committee intend submitting a new list of nominations, although the official closing date for them was yesterday.

Owen Le Vallee, a member of the Commonwealth selection committee, yesterday confirmed it was, theoretically, still possible for a sport to have a change of heart in terms of whom they wish to put up for selection.

'The selectors are unlikely to meet until Sunday week, which would be after the AGM, and therefore they would be aware that there might be a change,' said Le Vallee, who shares the responsibility of sending Guernsey's team with Francis Quin and Mike Webber.

'What would have to happen is that Bowls Guernsey will have to write to the Commonwealth Games Association and ask, please can they withdraw their previous nominations.'

The AGM is at the Cobo Bay Hotel on Monday, 7pm start.