Norman Hunter, former Leeds United and England star, dies from coronavirus

Leeds United confirmed his death in a statement on Friday and said the club was 'devastated' by the news.

'Norman was taken to hospital last week after being diagnosed with COVID-19 and despite continuing to battle and the best efforts of NHS (National Health Service) staff, he sadly lost his fight earlier this morning,' said the club.

A seminal figure in English football history, Hunter earned the nickname 'Bites Yer Legs' on account of his reputation as a tough tackling defender.

READ: From headbutts to the 'Hand of God': 11 moments that shook the World Cup

Born in 1943 in County Durham, north east England, Hunter left school at the age of 15 to become an electrical fitter and was scouted by Leeds when playing a match for his local team, Birtley Juniors.

He played his first game for Leeds, against Swansea Town, at the age of 18 and went on to make 726 appearances for the club over a 14-year period.

Hunter was part of the great Leeds teams managed by Don Revie, which won the club two top-flight titles. He was also part of the the World Cup winning squad for England in 1966, though he didn't play in the 4-2 victory over West Germany in the final.

In 1976, Hunter left Leeds to join Bristol City and later Barnsley, which he later went on to manage along with Rotherham United.

'He leaves a huge hole in the Leeds United family,' the club added. 'His legacy will never be forgotten and our thoughts are with Norman's family and friends at this very difficult time.'

Born in 1943 in County Durham, north east England, Hunter left school at the age of 15 to become an electrical fitter and was scouted by Leeds when playing a match for his local team, Birtley Juniors. Born in 1943 in County Durham, north east England, Hunter left school at the age of 15 to become an electrical fitter and was scouted by Leeds when playing a match for his local team, Birtley Juniors. A seminal figure in English football history, Hunter earned the nickname 'Bites Yer Legs' on account of his reputation as a tough tackling defender. READ: From headbutts to the 'Hand of God': 11 moments that shook the World Cup Born in 1943 in County Durham, north east England, Hunter left school at the age of 15 to become an electrical fitter and was scouted by Leeds when playing a match for his local team, Birtley Juniors. A seminal figure in English football history, Hunter earned the nickname 'Bites Yer Legs' on account of his reputation as a tough tackling defender. A seminal figure in English football history, Hunter earned the nickname 'Bites Yer Legs' on account of his reputation as a tough tackling defender. Leeds United confirmed his death in a statement on Friday and said the club was 'devastated' by the news. READ: From headbutts to the 'Hand of God': 11 moments that shook the World Cup 'He leaves a huge hole in the Leeds United family,' the club added. 'His legacy will never be forgotten and our thoughts are with Norman's family and friends at this very difficult time.' 'Norman was taken to hospital last week after being diagnosed with COVID-19 and despite continuing to battle and the best efforts of NHS (National Health Service) staff, he sadly lost his fight earlier this morning,' said the club. 'He leaves a huge hole in the Leeds United family,' the club added. 'His legacy will never be forgotten and our thoughts are with Norman's family and friends at this very difficult time.' He played his first game for Leeds, against Swansea Town, at the age of 18 and went on to make 726 appearances for the club over a 14-year period. 'Norman was taken to hospital last week after being diagnosed with COVID-19 and despite continuing to battle and the best efforts of NHS (National Health Service) staff, he sadly lost his fight earlier this morning,' said the club. A seminal figure in English football history, Hunter earned the nickname 'Bites Yer Legs' on account of his reputation as a tough tackling defender. Born in 1943 in County Durham, north east England, Hunter left school at the age of 15 to become an electrical fitter and was scouted by Leeds when playing a match for his local team, Birtley Juniors. Leeds United confirmed his death in a statement on Friday and said the club was 'devastated' by the news. He played his first game for Leeds, against Swansea Town, at the age of 18 and went on to make 726 appearances for the club over a 14-year period. A seminal figure in English football history, Hunter earned the nickname 'Bites Yer Legs' on account of his reputation as a tough tackling defender. READ: From headbutts to the 'Hand of God': 11 moments that shook the World Cup 'He leaves a huge hole in the Leeds United family,' the club added. 'His legacy will never be forgotten and our thoughts are with Norman's family and friends at this very difficult time.' A seminal figure in English football history, Hunter earned the nickname 'Bites Yer Legs' on account of his reputation as a tough tackling defender. In 1976, Hunter left Leeds to join Bristol City and later Barnsley, which he later went on to manage along with Rotherham United. Leeds United confirmed his death in a statement on Friday and said the club was 'devastated' by the news. Born in 1943 in County Durham, north east England, Hunter left school at the age of 15 to become an electrical fitter and was scouted by Leeds when playing a match for his local team, Birtley Juniors. Hunter was part of the great Leeds teams managed by Don Revie, which won the club two top-flight titles. He was also part of the the World Cup winning squad for England in 1966, though he didn't play in the 4-2 victory over West Germany in the final.

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