|
If ever a player had an apt nickname, it was 'Bites Yer Legs'
Hunter. A tough competitor and a skilled defender, Hunter spent 16
years at Elland Road and his defensive partnership with Jack
Charlton was the foundation for much of Leeds' success in that
era.
His England career was limited by the presence of players like
Jack Charlton and Bobby Moore, but he had a good run at an
international level, winning 28 caps - although he's probably best
remembered for failing to win the ball in a straightforward tackle
in the move that lead to Poland's goal in their infamous 1973 draw
at Wembley that blocked England's path to the World Cup Finals. In
the same year he was voted the first PFA Player of the Year, so
it's clear that he enjoyed the respect and admiration of his fellow
professionals, despite his reputation as a hard man.
He left Leeds in 1976 to spend 3 years at Bristol City, before
returning to Yorkshire as a player and player-manager at Barnsley.
He also managed Rotherham and was coaching at Leeds before the
arrival of Howard Wilkinson. He remains a regular at Elland Road,
these days as a summariser for match day commentary on local and
national radio.
Bobby Wade says: Norman Hunter is my great uncle. I live in NSW
Australia. He is my grandma's brother I have never met him but.
Chris Dillon says: Met Norman outside Villa Park before Leeds
game about 3 years ago. He was happy to chat and sign autographs. A
real decent bloke and a Leeds legend.
Hedley Harper says: Had a beer or two with this bloke and his
wife, Sue (great lady) in San Francisco some time ago. Said he
played football in Leeds but doubted it at the time since he
doesn't look big or tough. Wouldn't stand a chance playing our kind
of football.
Alex Bull says: When Norman came to Bristol City the fans were
against him because of his hard image. He soon establised himself
as a great favourite, player of the year each year and kept City up
in the old first division.When he left they were relegated and have
not got back YET.
vadez says: when he was barnsley,manager he came too my primary
school in leeds and took us for football practice.
Paul Davies says: Hard to decide between Norman and Billy
Bremner as the GREATEST player to ever play for Leeds.I've bumped
into Norman outside the ground and he is always happy to discuss
the days performance.He tells it how it is honest and
straightforward the same as he played.
Matt Owen says: hello i thought i'd let you all know i'm related
to norman hunter. my great grandad's sister is his mum. i met him
in my great granda's house.
Bob Weeks says: Watched him play for Bristol City for three
years in the old first division , he was getting on a bit, but he
was still a fantastic player, my best memory of Norman was two
fantastic tackles on Kenny Daglish early in a game against
Liverpool. Daglish had a very quiet game after that, Happy
Days.
alma d bennett (nee turnbull) says: i went to birtley east
secendary modern school with norman we were in the same class, he
traveled to school with friends george cook and brian manning, they
were the only three people who traveled from eighton banks. he
always loved football, was always very polite but not always well
behaved in class. he was a very good friend of brenda evans. very
popular with the girls as he was tall for his age which made him
stand out. i would love to have a signed photo of him if he
remembers me. glad to see he has done so well. could write a lot
more but don't know if you would be interested, nothing bad.
Richard Shaw says: I bumped into him in Pudsey ten years ago. He
walked about half a mile up the street with me, even though he did
not know me. He was a true gentleman.
Ste says: Norman Hunter!!! The best centre back we ever had -
wish he was playin in the side now - he probably would - the crazy
geordie nutter - Norman I LOVE YOU
Sid Butters says: Was at Derby County when Francis Lee fancied
his chances and Norm dropped him.As big Jack said "We'll play you
off the pitch or kick you off the pitch',whichever way you want it!
What happened to us????
Elaine Walton says: Norman Hunter is the cousin of my
grandmother Edwina Hunter and my great uncle Thomas Hunter. I never
met him but he supposedly looks like my dad! I do recall the
liqourice allsorts advert when bertie asked him what he
bites...
|
