Laurie Topp

By David B8/1/2017 16:25Sun Jan 8 16:25:35 2017

Views: 3591

Just read the obituary for Laurie Topp, who died yesterday. The comment that “legend” is an overused word is absolutely right, but there is no doubt that Laurie Topp was a Hendon legend. He was generally recognised across the game as the best amateur footballer in the country.

Laurie retired many years before I started watching Hendon, but those who had the pleasure of seeing him play all praised him to the heavens. When Peter Lush and I were working on the club’s history a decade or so ago, we went to interview him. Already well into his 80s, Laurie had lost interest in football almost 50 years earlier – within a few years of his playing retirement. His recollections, although hazy in many places, were fascinating but I was particularly taken by his collection of memorabilia – indicative of his disinterest in football – kept in black rubbish bags. To hold England and Great Britain amateur caps and medals was amazing.

Rest in Peace, Laurie Topp, Hendon Legend

reply to this article | return to the front page