Tony Hopper

Tony Hopper (31 May 1976 – 9 October 2018) was an English professional footballer who played as a midfielder.

Tony Hopper
Personal information
Date of birth (1976-05-31)31 May 1976
Place of birth Carlisle, England
Date of death 9 October 2018(2018-10-09) (aged 42)
Position(s) Midfielder
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1992–2002 Carlisle United 100 (1)
1993–1994 → Barrow (loan) 6 (1)
2000–2001 → Bohemians (loan) 15 (2)
2002 Barrow 5 (0)
2002–2004 Workington 27 (6)
2005 Northbank
2005–2010 Workington
2012–2015 Celtic Nation
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Hopper began his career at Carlisle United, where he spent 10 years and made 100 appearances scoring 1 goal. He was an unused substitute for the 1997 Football League Trophy Final at Wembley when Carlisle defeated Colchester United on penalties following a 0–0 draw.[1] He also appeared in the famous Jimmy Glass game against Plymouth Argyle, in which the goalkeeper scored in the 94th minute to keep Carlisle United in the Football League.[2]

Roddy Collins brought him to Bohemians on loan in August 2000. He made his debut away to UCD soon after signing. Though much maligned during his time at the club, he scored a vital goal in December of that year in a 1–0 win over Longford Town. He left the club a month later to return to England. His winner against Longford would prove crucial as Bohemians went on to win the league by 2 points.

He also played for Barrow and Workington.

In November 2012 he joined Celtic Nation until the end of the season. In January 2017, Hopper was diagnosed with motor neurone disease and he was the guest of honour at Carlisle United's game against Portsmouth. A fundraising page was set up in his name to help fight back against this disease.[3]

He died on 9 October 2018 at the age of 42.[4]

A minute's applause was held before Carlisle's match with Morecambe at Brunton Park as a tribute to Tony.

References
  1. Haylett, Trevor (21 April 1997). "Football: Happy ending for Carlisle". Independent. London. Retrieved 30 September 2015.
  2. Metcalf, Rupert (10 May 1999). "Carlisle raise a Glass to survival - Carlisle United 2 Plymouth Argyle 1". The Independent. London. Retrieved 14 August 2009.
  3. "Hopper impresses on Celtic Nation debut". NonLeagueDaily.com. 12 November 2012. Retrieved 13 November 2012.
  4. "Tony Hopper, footballer who bravely fought motor neurone disease, dies". News and Star. Retrieved 10 October 2018.
  • TONY HOPPER, Post War English & Scottish Football League A - Z Player's Transfer Database
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