Tony Hopper was born in Carlisle on May 31, 1976. After attending Inglewood Junior School, he played junior football for the Ex-Servicemen’s team.

He joined Carlisle United’s youth set-up and was part of a memorable wave of talented young Cumbrians at the club in the 1990s. He made 157 appearances for United, scoring three goals.

Tony was Carlisle’s longest-serving player when he was released in 2002. He then had a spell with Barrow before joining Workington Reds, where he enjoyed a successful eight-year stint.

He retired in 2010 then briefly came out of retirement to play for Celtic Nation in 2012. Away from football he worked for furniture company DFS. Tony and Sue married in 2005 and had three sons: Daniel, Adam and Jack.