The DDCWWFCSC has lost a dear friend, Paul Astley. Although not known by many of you, Paul was Mr Blackburn Rovers and the game at Molineux will be even more difficult due to his absence. It will be the first Wolves – Rovers match he will have missed for some 40 years!

He was genuinely hospitable and generous, and would always go out of his way for others. No matter how many turned up at his house all would get fed – and I turned up with a mini bus full once!

Paul introduced us to the Anglo Welsh Supporters League before the start of the 1982 – 83 season, and a firm friendship developed and has remained through to his recent untimely death.

At 53 he was still living life to the full, the cause of his death is still unknown. He is sadly missed by the world of football and Blackburn Rovers will be much poorer following his passing. There are 2 extensive threads running with anecdotes about Paul on Rovers Message Boards, if you put his name into google they quickly come up.

It is more appropriate I contribute mine there rather than here but visits to Ewood will not be the same again.

RIP mate. Coxy