FOOTBALL | NORMAN HUNTER 1943-2020
Coronavirus: Leeds United legend Norman Hunter dies aged 76
A crucial member of Don Revie's iconic Leeds United side and one of English football's great hard men, Norman Hunter has lost his battle with coronavirus.
Legendary Leeds United midfielder Norman Hunter has died at the age of 76, it was confirmed today. Hunter was admitted to hospital last week having contracted coronavirus but lost his fight with Covid-19 on Friday.
Hunter, an integral part of Revie's fabled Leeds side of the 1970s
A defensive midfielder with a hard man reputation that earned him the nickname "bite yer legs", Hunter made 726 appearances for Leeds over a 14-year career with the club. He helped Leeds to promotion from the Second Division in 1964 and was integral to their success under Don Revie.
Hunter won two First Division titles, the League Cup and the FA Cup. He was a part of Leeds' Inter-Cities Fairs Cup-winning sides in 1968 and 1971 and tasted defeat in the final of the European Cup in 1975, having lost at the same stage of the European Cup Winners' Cup two years earlier.
World Cup winner in 1966
A part of England's World Cup-winning squad in 1966 although he wasn't used by Alf Ramsey during the tournament, Hunter won 28 caps for his country, scoring two goals.
Following his departure from Leeds in 1976, Hunter went on to enjoy spells with Bristol City and Barnsley, going on to manage the latter as well as Rotherham United and Bradford City.
"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," Leeds said in confirming Hunter's death on their official website.