Ex-Wanderer Comstive Passes Away

Sad news has spread tonight that former Wanderer Paul Comstive has passed away.

Comstive, born in Southport in 1961, is believed to have suffered a fatal heart attack at a mere 52 years of age.

He spent the majority of his career in the North-West, having begun his career 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. 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. Famously, two of the three goals he scored for Bolton came direct from corner kicks in the 4-1 home win against Bournemouth in January 1991.

He made a total of 49 appearances for the Whites, scoring three times.

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 and Burnley on 5 September 1992 but was released at the end of the 1992-93 season.

This marked the end of Comstive's professional career. He joined hometown club Southport and went on to play for fellow non-league clubs Morecambe and Chorley.