Covid-19 claims Leeds United legend Norman Hunter

Ron 'Chopper' Harris couldn't stop him, but Covid-19 has... The desperately sad news for football fans is that Norman Hunter has died shortly after contracting the virus. He was 76.
The news was broken this morning by his beloved Leeds United who posted the following statement:

"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.

Born on Friday 29th October 1943 in Eighton Banks, County Durham, Hunter left school at the age of 15 to become an electrical fitter.

Playing for Birtley Juniors, he was scouted by Leeds and following a trial game was offered a place on the club’s ground staff.

Making his Leeds debut against Swansea Town at the age of 18 on Saturday 8th September 1962, he helped Don Revie’s side to a 2-0 victory and would go on to become one of the greatest centre-backs the game has ever seen.

Hunter amassed a huge 726 appearances for Leeds United over a 14 year period, the club’s most successful to date, earning the infamous nickname 'Bites Yer Legs'.

Helping Leeds rise from the Second Division, Hunter was at the heart of the defence as the club became champions of England twice and Inter-Cities Fairs Cup winners twice, along with successes in the 1968 League Cup, 1969 Charity Shield and 1972 FA Cup.

He won a total of 28 caps for England and was in the 1966 World Cup winning squad, whilst was also the first winner of the PFA Players' Player of the Year in 1974.

Hunter left Leeds to join Bristol City in 1976, prior to a spell at Barnsley, who he later went on to manage along with Rotherham United.

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.

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."

"He was the Keith Richards of football," says Niall Quinn, the Cranberry Saw Us founder and Leeds United diehard who recorded 'Strachan' with The Hitchers. Scroll down for his and other tributes...

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

Rest in peace Norman pic.twitter.com/Fq38EJK6Pn

— Leeds United (@LUFC) April 17, 2020

My heart is broken 😢.

I thought he'd be the Keith Richards of football and just ...keep going somehow.

So long Norman. https://t.co/RU9q9RovYO

— niall quinn tweets ....in fits and bursts... (@NiallQuinnLK73) April 17, 2020