Paul Comstive (1961 – 2013)
Born in Southport, Comstive was to spend the vast majority of his career in the north-west of England, beginning as an apprentice at Blackburn Rovers in October 1979. He went on to make six league appearances for Rovers, with two loan spells with Rochdale following before a move to Wigan Athletic in August 1983.
After a three-year stint with Wrexham from 1984 to 1987, Comstive made an £8,000 switch to Burnley with Chris Pearce. This spell saw him play at Wembley Stadium in the 1987–88 Sherpa Van Trophy Final against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Comstive moved on again in 1989 to Bolton Wanderers for £37,000 with his two seasons at Burnden Park ending in losses in the Third Division play–offs. Two of the three goals he scored for Bolton came direct from corner kicks in the 4–1 win against Bournemouth in January 1991. Later that year he was to help Bolton Wanderers towards the play-offs where they eventually lost out to Tranmere Rovers at Wembley Stadium.
In November 1991 Comstive moved to Chester City for £10,000, he scored in the first Football League match at the Deva Stadium between Chester City and Burnley on 5th September 1992, but was released at the end of the 1992–93 season, which marked the end of his professional Career. He joined hometown club Southport and went on to play for fellow non-league clubs Morecambe and Chorley.
Comstive, had a short spell on the coaching staff with Southport and also worked for Burscough Football Club, he later worked at Fleetwood Hesketh FC. Sadly he died suddenly from a heart attack on the 29th December 2013.
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