in 1928 constantine had signed an initial three-year contract with nelson, to play in the lancashire league. the contract was worth £500 per season, plus performance bonuses and travelling expenses. he remained there until 1937, an unusually long time for a professional to remain with one club. constantine's appearances boosted attendances and gate receipts for all nelson's matches, and was of great financial benefit to both the club and the league as a whole. in constantine's nine seasons at the club, nelson never finished lower than second, won the league competition seven times and the knockout cup twice. in 1931 constantine renewed his contract for £650 per season; when in 1935 a rival league attempted to sign him, all the lancashire league clubs contributed to his wage, which rose to £750 per year between 1935 and 1937. this was far more than the then maximum wage for a professional footballer of £386, or the £500 per season that a top county cricketer could potentially earn, and possibly made constantine the best-paid sportsman in the country. consequently, he and his family enjoyed a good standard of living for the first time in their lives.