NEWS: Malcolm Alker defends The Devil Within ahead of its launch in Manchester
Malcolm Alker has defended his controversial autobiography The Devil Within as he prepares for the book’s release.
Former Salford captain Alker has used the book to reveal his use of human growth hormone, cocaine and prescription pain-killers.
Alker told Yorkshire Radio: “The intention of doing the book was purely so that I could lie straight in my grave. It’s not about financial reward; the money I make won’t make any difference to my life at all. It’s about putting the demons to bed, and hopefully some people can learn lessons from it.
“The book hasn’t been done to be bitter towards Salford or the game. It’s just my story. Nothing’s been elaborated; it’s just the truth, and if I was going to tell my story then it had to be that, good or bad.
“I could have easily left two or three chapters out of the book and spoke more about rugby, but that wouldn’t have been my story.
“The Devil Within is the truth, and now it’s time to tell the story. There are issues within the game and outside of the game that need to be handled.
“I’m not trying to do a bible of do’s and don’ts, it’s not about that: it’s just an autobiography. Some people will like what I’ve said and some people won’t, both in my family and in rugby league.”
Ghostwriter Julie Stott said: “Malcolm accepts that he’s open to criticism for some of the things he’s done, but he’s got to be applauded for not shying away from any of it.
“Throughout the process of writing the book he always wanted to be completely honest, and that was for a purpose – there’s a problem within the game, and Malcolm thinks it needs highlighting.”
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