PAUL ATKINS will be a key player in England's archery challenge at the Commonwealth Games.

But there is no chance of him having a medal to show for his efforts in Delhi in October.

Atkins will instead be working behind the scenes as an assistant manager for the 12-strong team of archers.

Atkins moved into administration and management when his competitive edge began to fade after 30 years with the bow.

"I got very competitive but in the last few years that dropped off and I wanted to give something back to my sport," said Atkins, who, growing up in Northam in the 1980s, shot for Bideford's Kenwith Company of Archers and Braunton Bowmen.

"I went in as an administrator (with the English Archery Federation) two years ago and over time the opportunity has arisen to do team management.

"Then I got selected to go away with the team to the Commonwealth Games.

"I am involved in everything from selecting the team to making sure they are all at the airport."

Atkins, 42, who now lives in Somerset, will be working with team manager Hilda Gibson and two other assistants. They are well supported by Commonwealth Games England who have eased any lingering fears over security which had led to reports, which were denied, that the team was considering withdrawing from the event.

"I'm not concerned at all," said Atkins. "Commonwealth Games England have put the terrorist threat into perspective.

"I was very fortunate to go to the test event (in March) and we were made to feel very secure and safe.

"It was absolutely fantastic to see India. The hospitality and facilities were excellent."

As a junior, Atkins shot for the national team, but he has little time to pick up his bow these days.

"The last two years' work has taken up far more time than I expected," he said. "I enjoy it when I can.

"It's nice being around the elite, it gives me a buzz in its own right.

"Hope and expectations for the team are very high. We have some of the best archers in the world.

"The Canadians are very strong and some of the Asian countries are getting very competitive.

"We have to make sure everybody has a good experience and lives up to our reputation as a force at the Games."