Michael McComie explained

Michael McComie
Birth Date:22 April 1972
Position:Goalkeeper
Youthclubs1:St Augustine Secondary
Years1:1997
Clubs1:San Juan Jabloteh
Years2:1999–2004
Clubs2:Joe Public
Nationalyears1:1991
Nationalteam1:Trinidad and Tobago U20
Nationalyears2:1998–2003
Nationalteam2:Trinidad and Tobago
Nationalcaps2:5
Nationalgoals2:0
Managerclubs1:Joe Public
Manageryears2:2007–2008
Managerclubs2:Joe Public
Managerclubs3:Ma Pau Stars
Managerclubs4:Guaya United
Managerclubs5:Trinidad and Tobago U20
Manageryears6:2016
Managerclubs6:FC Maracas

Michael McComie (22 April 1972 – 4 December 2018) was a Trinidadian football player and coach.

As a player, McComie played as a goalkeeper at both professional and international levels. He later became an award-winning coach.

Playing career

Club career

As a youth McComie played for St Augustine Secondary, and was recognised for his ability in what was described as a "talented" team led by Jerren Nixon. He played senior football in the TT Pro League for San Juan Jabloteh and Joe Public. His transfer between the clubs involved a five-figure transfer fee. He also played indoor football in the United States. He retired from playing in 2004.[1]

International career

McComie represented Trinidad and Tobago under-20s at the 1991 FIFA World Youth Championship. He earned five caps for the senior team. His international career was hampered by the availability of other Trinidadian goalkeepers such as Shaka Hislop, Ross Russell, Kelvin Jack and Clayton Ince.

Playing style

McComie was renowned for his playing forward of the traditional goalkeeper's position acting almost as a defensive sweeper at a time when relatively few goalkeepers chose to play the ball in the outfield; he also played on occasion as a midfielder or striker.

Coaching career

McComie worked as an assistant coach to the Trinidad and Tobago under-23 team before returning to Joe Public for the second time in July 2007.[2] He was replaced by Keith Griffith in July 2008, but continued to work with the Trinidad and Tobago under-17 team.[3] While with Joe Public he won the TT Pro League Manager of the Year award.

He also managed Ma Pau Stars, Guaya United and the Trinidad and Tobago under-20 team.[1] [4] He ended his career with FC Maracas in 2016.

Later life and death

McComie also played table tennis, and served on the board of the Trinidad and Tobago Table Tennis Association.

McComie died on 4 December 2018, at the age of 46, from a brain tumour which was diagnosed only 24 hours previously.[5] He had four daughters.[5]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Ex-TT goalie McComie passes away. 5 December 2018. 5 December 2018. Joel Bailey. Newsday.
  2. Web site: Jabloteh held to 1-1 draw. 16 July 2007. 5 December 2018. Joel Bailey. Newsday.
  3. Web site: McComie relieved of 'Public' duties. 31 July 2008. 5 December 2018. SocaWarriors.
  4. Web site: Former footballer McComie has passed. 4 December 2018. 5 December 2018. Trinidad and Tobago Guardian.
  5. Web site: Ex-World Youth Cup goalie, McComie, passes away, after being diagnosed with brain tumour. 4 December 2018. 5 December 2018. Lasana Liburd. Wired868.