As club treasurer and event organiser, I thought that after the last two efforts made by Supreme Deluxe in the Walpole five-a-sides, it would be advantageous to recruit some fresh blood. My first sighing was the experienced Mark Toppin. At only 20 years of age, he has seen the highs and lows of a fleeting football career. Once Hammersmith school's eleven-a-side left-back, Mark transferred his wingback wizardry further upfield and went on to have trials with Luton Town FC. After several displays of sublime finishing playing as a forward he still failed to meet the requirement of the then manager, David Pleat. (Any references to the said Mr. Pleat's notoriety for kerb crawling and Mark's failing to get 'picked up' by Luton are purely speculative).
Mark went on to Play for a local team by the name of Last Chance and went on several tours including Holland and Scotland, playing against some of the finest young talent. Due to the teams lack of organisation Mark decided it was best that he pursue his footballing career elsewhere. Alas he could not find a team and his once legendary fitness deserted him. It was here in the dark depths of football hell where I found Mark. After offering him a chance to put himself in the footballers shop window by playing for S.D., he attempted to regain his fitness in order to be ready for Walpole 98.
Player qualities
Mark is a gifted, left-footed player who is confident on the ball and has a lot of potential. He has excellent dribbling abilities and plenty of top-flight experience. If he can get back to full fitness, he will be a constant fixture in the S.D. line up.
Final thought:
A great acquisition for S.D.
2000 Update
Having missed 1999's tournament, Mark returned in fine form, showing that working as a postman in Shepherd's Bush (for all those of you who have had letters lost in that area over the past years!) can help maintain high levels of fitness. Despite not owning a black and white cat like his hero Pat, Mark was a credit to postmen around the world as he played in every match of the tournament and scored in both of our first two group games! Citing Gazza as his role model in terms of physical appearance, Mark defied physics by being one of the quickest players on the pitch, and his added bulk was useful in those classic "against the wall crushes" that only happen in 5-a-side soccer and ice hockey! Next year will hopefully produce a leaner, meaner Mark Toppin, and he could well be our secret weapon in SD's bid to finally be crowned Tournament Champions.
