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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...
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