Leeds United are devastated to learn of the passing of club legend Norman Hunter at the age of 76
— Leeds United (@LUFC) April 17, 2020
Leeds United great Norman Hunter has died at the age of 76 after testing positive for coronavirus. The former England defender, who was part of Sir Alf Ramsey’s 1966 World Cup-winning squad, was admitted to hospital last week after contracting COVID-19.
In a statement the Yorkshire giants said … “Leeds United are devastated to learn of the passing of club legend Norman Hunter at the age of 76.”
“Norman was taken to hospital last week after being diagnosed with COVID-19 and, despite continuing to battle and the best efforts of NHS staff, he sadly lost his fight earlier this morning,” it added.
“He leaves a huge hole in the Leeds United family, his legacy will never be forgotten, and our thoughts are with Norman’s family and friends at this very difficult time.”
The Elland Road club had previously thanked supporters for their “amazing messages and well wishes” for Hunter, having become a fan favourite for his part of Don Revie’s famous title-winning teams in 1969 and 1974. Hunter made 726 appearances for the Elland Road based club.
He also won the FA Cup, League Cup and two Inter-Cities Fairs Cups, and in 1974 was the inaugural winner of the Professional Footballers’ Association’s player of the year award.
Hunter, a teak-tough centre-half, was a key player in Leeds’ most successful era and was a great friend of his club-mate and the former Ireland captain and player-manager Johnny Giles whom he also worked with as assistant when the Dubliner was in charge of West Brom in the 1980’s.
Brian Clough who infamoulsy took charge of Leeds in 1974 for just 44 days has given him the nickname ‘Bites Your Legs’ in reference to his no-nonsense style.
He was a non-playing member of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning squad, but later picked up a winners medal, which was not usually presented by FIFA until much later on.
https://twitter.com/LUFCDATA/status/1251091307856003077
