Leeds United have announced they have renamed the South Stand at Elland Road as a permanent tribute to late club legend Norman Hunter.
Hunter sadly passed away on April 17, aged 76, after losing his battle against coronavirus.
Rex Features
Norman Hunter is set to become the fourth Leeds United icon to be immortalised at Elland Road
Rex
Norman Hunter’s name will now be permanently etched on the Elland Road stadia
The Whites led the tributes for the hard-tackling defender, nicknamed ‘bite yer legs’, and said in a statement his passing ‘leaves a huge hole in the Leeds United family’.
And the Championship announced on Thursday morning they have renamed the South Stand at Elland Road ‘The Norman Hunter South Stand’ in honour of the club icon.
It means Hunter is the fourth Leeds legend to be immortalised at the stadium, along with Don Revie and John Charles, who also have stands named after them, and the great Billy Bremner, whose statue stands outside the ground.
LISTEN: Hear Norman Hunter’s brilliant interview on talkSPORT from 2011 as he discussed legendary Leeds career
Hunter’s wife, Sue, said: “As a family we are touched by the club’s decision to name the South Stand after Norman and we would like to take this opportunity to thank the supporters of the club and the game in general for the amazing messages of sympathy we have received in recent days.
“Finally, once again we would also like to thank all the doctors and nurses and everyone in the NHS who supported Norman too.”
The South Stand is currently sponsored by TransUnion, and Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani has thanked the company for their support and even encouraging the suggestion to renamed their stand in Hunter’s honour.
“Naming the South Stand after Norman is the very least we could do to recognise the lifetime of hard work and dedication he gave to our football club – firstly as a hugely successful player and secondly as an ambassador for Leeds United,”said the club chief.
“Norman was respected and loved by everyone connected to the club and as we battle through uncertain times it is unlikely that he will be able to be given the send-off he deserves and therefore we expect the South Stand to be bouncing when fans are finally allowed to return to Elland Road and pay their respects to a giant of the game.
Norman Hunter in action for England back in 1971: Hunter earned the nickname ‘Bites Yer Legs’ but he was a skilful defender who was regarded as one of the finest of his generation
“I would also like to say a massive thank you to our current South Stand sponsor TransUnion, they have been completely supportive and encouraging of the suggestion to rename the stand after Norman.”
Hunter in total made 726 appearances for the Whites over a 14-year period from 1962-1976, the club’s most successful era to date, winning two First Division titles, the FA Cup, League Cup and two Inter-Cities Fairs Cups.
The defender also won 28 England caps and was a member of England’s 1966 World Cup winning squad, and was the first winner of the PFA Players’ Player of the Year in 1974.
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