Leeds United legend Norman Hunter dies aged 76 after contracting coronavirus

Former England and Leeds defender Norman Hunter has died aged 76.

Hunter, who made 28 appearances for the Three Lions and was part of the 1966 World Cup-winning squad, was last week admitted to hospital with coronavirus.

Leeds said in a statement: "Leeds United are devastated to learn of thepassing of club legend Norman Hunter at the age of 76."

The statement on Leeds' website added:

Norman Hunter kisses his medal, presented by Prime Minister Gordon Credit: PA

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.

In their statement, Leeds United added:

Norman Hunter in 1969, Leeds United Credit: PA

Hunter did not play in England's triumphant World Cup campaign as he could not break the partnership of Jack Charlton and Bobby Moore.

He made 540 appearances for Leeds and won two First Division titles, the FA Cup, League Cup and two Inter-Cities Fairs Cups.

He also played for Bristol City and Barnsley, managing the Tykes after heretired as well as Rotherham.

Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor Judith Blake said: