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Norman Hunter
Norman Hunter
Personal information
Date of Birth 29 October 1943
Place of Birth England
Leeds career
Playing position Centre-back
Number 6
Senior 4/1961 - 10/1976
Manager 9/1988 - 10/1988
Howard Wilkinson

Norman Hunter (born 29 October 1943) played for Leeds United between 1962 and 1976. He was part of the 1966 FIFA World Cup winning squad, receiving a winners medal in 2007. He has since been included in the Football League 100 Legends. Known for his tackling, he was nicknamed "Bites Yer Legs" Hunter. The nickname originated from a banner held up by Leeds United fans at the 1972 FA Cup final against Arsenal that read "Norman bites yer legs".

Norman joined Leeds ground staff as a youngster in November 1960 and turned professional in April 1961. He made his first team debut in a Division Two match at Swansea City on the 5th September 1962 and formed a formidable defensive partnership with Jackie Charlton. He impressed for Leeds who were becoming one of the best teams in England and was called up to the national side after three Under-23 appearances just prior to the World Cup Finals in 1966. He became the first player to make his England debut as a substitute in a friendly against Spain on the 8th December 1965. He started for the first time in a match just prior to the Finals on the 23rd February 1966 against West Germany at Wembley in a 1-0 win.

The form of Bobby Moore and Jack Charlton meant that he did not play in any of the matches in 1966. His club career at Leeds United including many honours; one Second Division Championship medal (1963-64), two League Championship medals (1968-69 and 1973-74), an FA Cup winners medal (1972), a League Cup winners medal (1968) two Inter Cities Fairs Cup winners medals (1968 and 1971) and many runners up medals. He also was the first winner of the PFA player of the year award in 1973. His international career was restricted as he had to compete for a place with the now World Cup winning pairing of Bobby Moore and Jack Charlton but he went on to win 28 full caps making his last appearance in his old Leeds manager Don Revies first match in charge.

His Leeds United career came to an end after 724 appearances (and 2 as a substitute) and 21 goals in October 1976.

In September 1988, Hunter returned to Leeds as caretaker manager following the sacking of his former Leeds team mate Billy Bremner. His reign was only three games when Howard Wilkinson was appointed as full-time manager.


Norman Hunter is number 7 in Leeds United's 100 greatest players.

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