I am proud to consider Alan Jones a very close friend. I met Alan in 1984 at the behest of South African rugby union supremo Dr Danie Craven – rugby’s Don Bradman.
I undertook research and wrote background summaries for him off-and-on for 30 years.
I received my first and second hugs in my life from a man when I met Alan and James Packer at Alan’s home in the Toaster on 11 November 2002.
I stayed for a few days at Alan’s Fitzroy Falls home.
I wrote Alan’s authorised biography that was subsequently rejected by Random House. I refused Alan’s offer to refund the $150,000 advanced payment from Random because they were my shortcomings, not his, that were responsible for the non-publishing.