Leeds United 'devastated' over death of club legend Norman Hunter after coronavirus battle

Leeds United legend Norman Hunter dies aged 76
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Leeds United have said the club are 'devastated' to learn of the death of legendary player Norman Hunter at the age of 76.

Hunter - who enjoyed a 14-year spell with the Elland Road club under Don Revie's stewardship from 1962-76 - was admitted to hospital last week having tested positive for coronavirus.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

After a week-long battle, the former Whites defender sadly lost his fight on Friday morning.

A statement read: "Leeds United are devastated to learn of the passing of club icon 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.

"Norman remained part of the furniture at Elland Road throughout the years, being a regular speaker in the suite named in his honour, and was in attendance as recently as last month’s victory over Huddersfield Town.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"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 United legend Norman Hunter. (JPIMedia)Leeds United legend Norman Hunter. (JPIMedia)
Leeds United legend Norman Hunter. (JPIMedia)

Hunter joined United in 1962 and went on to make 726 appearances for the club, becoming one of the most revered defenders in world football whilst earning the nickname 'Bite Yer Legs'.

He helped Leeds turn from Second Division strugglers to European Cup challengers under Revie's guidance.

The Whites claimed two First Division titles, two Inter-Cities Fairs Cup trophies along with a League Cup, Charity Shield and FA Cup triumph during his stay in West Yorkshire.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Hunter also made 28 caps for England and was part of the 1966 World Cup winning squad.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. These are challenging times but the team at the Yorkshire Evening Post need your support more than ever in the weeks ahead.

While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you. In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you - wherever possible and providing it is safe for you to do so - to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Inevitably falling advertising revenues will start to have an impact on local newspapers and the way we continue to work during this period of uncertainty. So the support of our readers has never been more important as we try to make sure that we keep you connected with the city you live in during this time. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. We need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Our team of trusted reporters are working incredibly hard behind the scenes- from kitchen tables and spare bedrooms - to look at how we can do this and your continued support to the YEP will help to protect its viability in the days and weeks ahead.

For more details on our subscription offers please visit www.localsubsplus.co.uk/YEP, email [email protected] or call us on 0330 4033004

Thank you

Laura Collins

Editor