Son of Blackpool legend Jimmy Armfield pays tribute to Leeds United great Norman Hunter, who dies aged 76

Jimmy Armfield's son Duncan has paid tribute to Leeds United great Norman Hunter, who has passed away at the age of 76.
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World Cup winner Hunter played under Armfield while he was in charge of the Elland Road club.

He played in the controversial 1975 European Cup final defeat to Bayern Munich, a game where Leeds fans felt they were cheated of victory.

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Hunter died in hospital after contracting coronavirus, Leeds confirmed, after testing positive on April 10.

Replying to journalist Henry Winter on Twitter, Duncan Armfield said: "Desperately sad news and the Armfield family send Norman’s family our deepest sympathy

"Norman was a great friend and colleague of Dad. A lot of mutual admiration and he was at Dad’s funeral.

"Very sad news amongst all the other individual and personal tragedies at the moment. Take care."

Leeds United great Norman Hunter has died at the age of 76Leeds United great Norman Hunter has died at the age of 76
Leeds United great Norman Hunter has died at the age of 76
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Hunter made 726 appearances for Leeds during a 14-year period, earning the nickname "Bites Yer Legs" for his tough-tackling approach to defending.

He was a central figure in the centre of Leeds' defence as the club won the First Division twice, along with success in the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, League Cup, Charity Shield and FA Cup.

He won 28 caps for England and was in the 1966 World Cup winning squad, alongside Armfield.

"Leeds United are devastated to learn of the passing of club icon Norman Hunter," Leeds said in a statement.

Norman Hunter and Jimmy Armfield pictured during a 1974 pantomime, organised by Armfield to boost team morale at LeedsNorman Hunter and Jimmy Armfield pictured during a 1974 pantomime, organised by Armfield to boost team morale at Leeds
Norman Hunter and Jimmy Armfield pictured during a 1974 pantomime, organised by Armfield to boost team morale at Leeds
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"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 this morning.

"Norman remained part of the furniture at Elland Road throughout the years, being a regular speaker in the suite named in his honour, and was in attendance as recently as last month’s victory over Huddersfield Town.

"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."