Christopher Topping, born on March 6, 1951, in the small village of Bubwith in East Riding of Yorkshire, holds a special place in the annals of English football. Known for his durability, commitment, and commanding defensive presence, Topping’s career is synonymous with York City, where he made an indelible mark as a player who embodied loyalty and excellence.
From an early age, Topping showcased his potential, becoming York City’s first-ever apprentice professional in the summer of 1967. This milestone, achieved at the tender age of 16, marked the beginning of a remarkable journey. At 15, he made his debut for the club’s reserve team, facing a tough baptism in a 5-1 defeat against Bradford City. However, this early setback only fueled his determination, setting the stage for a career built on resilience and hard work. By March 1969, Topping had signed professional terms, and his league debut came shortly after, on December 28, 1968, against Newport County.
York City’s establishment of a youth team competing in the Northern Intermediate League provided Topping with a platform to develop alongside talented peers like Brian Pollard and Mike de Placido, both of whom also earned England youth caps. This initiative was ground-breaking for the club, offering young players a structured pathway to the senior team. Moreover, it highlighted York’s ambition to cultivate talent in a competitive environment. Topping’s time in the youth setup, coupled with his work at the Wyevale Garden Centre during afternoons, reflected the balance of life and football that defined his formative years.
Once he established himself in the first team, Topping formed a formidable defensive partnership with Barry Swallow. His consistent performances, marked by reliability and aerial dominance, led to an extraordinary streak of 355 consecutive league appearances between 1970 and 1978. This achievement not only set a club record but also brought him close to breaking the Football League record for consecutive games.
Topping was instrumental in two of York City’s promotion campaigns, in 1971 and 1974, and was part of the defensive unit that equaled a Football League record by going 11 games without conceding a goal in 1973. His tackling, often described as “keen” but not malicious, added steel to the backline. Indeed, his blend of physicality and precision earned him admiration from fans and teammates alike.
One of Topping’s most unforgettable performances came during a League Cup tie against Liverpool in September 1975. Tasked with marking Kevin Keegan, Topping was exceptional, keeping the England star at bay for most of the match. However, controversy struck late in the game when Topping’s foul on Keegan, clearly outside the penalty area, was adjudged to be inside the box. Liverpool converted the penalty, winning 1-0, but the injustice of the decision lingered in York City folklore.
In 1978, Topping moved to Huddersfield Town for £20,000, a fee that some believed saved York City from financial collapse. At Huddersfield, he continued to display his trademark consistency but was hampered by injuries that eventually curtailed his time at the club. Brief stints at Gateshead, Northallerton (where he also managed), and Rowntree Mackintosh followed before he settled into local football with Real Cliffe, playing alongside his son.
Even after retiring, Topping remained connected to the game and his beloved York City. Often seen at home matches, he is a symbol of the club’s storied history and its commitment to nurturing local talent.