Harry Topping played a single league game for Exeter City in 1938. Joining the club from Manchester City, and leaving to play for New Brighton, he later managed in the Netherlands and coached Norwich to the 1959 FA Cup semi-final before finishing his career as trainer at Torquay United.

Arriving at St James’ Park in the summer of 1937 from Manchester City, Harry featured in just one Football League game for Exeter City in the 1-1 draw at Southend United on 23 April 1938.

After leaving Exeter at the end of the season, he played five Third Division North matches for New Brighton in 1938/39 before joining Stockport County where he featured in all three games in the abandoned 1939/40 campaign. Playing also for Bristol Rovers during the war, he returned to New Brighton in 1946 to enjoy 67 league outings prior to finishing his playing career with Prescot Cables. 

Entering management, Harry took charge of Feyenoord (1950/51) and PSV (1951/52) before coaching Norwich City to the 1958/59 FA Cup semi-final. Returning to Devon, he coached Torquay United during the 1960s and continued to live in South Devon until his death in 2001.