Laurie Topp

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

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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