Tributes to former England and Leeds great Norman Hunter

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

Hunter, who was born in Eighton Banks, Gateshead, 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 the passing of club legend Norman Hunter at the age of 76."

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The statement on Leeds' website added: "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 (on Friday) morning.

Norman Hunter.Norman Hunter.
Norman Hunter.

"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."

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.

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

The EFL tweeted: "We are saddened to learn of the passing of former @LUFC, @BristolCity and @BarnsleyFC defender Norman Hunter at the age of 76. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this very difficult time."

Ex-England midfielder Peter Reid, a former Leeds manager, wrote: "RIP Norman Hunter, a giant of a man."

A tweet on the England team's profile said: "We're extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Norman Hunter at the age of 76.

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"Norman was part of our @FIFAWorldCup-winning squad and won 28 caps for the #ThreeLions. All of our thoughts are with his family, friends and supporters at this time."

Former England striker Gary Lineker said: "Sad news: Norman Hunter has passed away. Grew up watching that great @LUFC side of which he was a huge part. This awful virus was one crunching tackle too far but he'll be biting yer legs somewhere. RIP Norman."