Nigel, I was fortunate to have a day with Alan for charity on Lindholme in April. I have also had days out with Darren, Steve Ringer and Giles. No doubt all are excellent anglers who all seem to have a 6th sense reading what is going on under the water. Alan was in a different league. I think its because he can devote all his time to preparation and testing his ideas out that makes the difference as he is full time unlike the rest who have to work.
That said not many of us full time or not would ever get close to where Alan is. Bear in mind on the international scene the venues he has to master along with learning how different species feed etc, then out smarting the skilled locals and you can start to see just how good he is.
Nice bloke too but do not interupt him when he is fishing, he would not even know you were there his concentration is so intense.
TF_JohnH.
