Leeds United are proud to announce the South Stand at Elland Road will be named in honour of legendary defender Norman Hunter.

Hunter sadly lost his life after a brave battle with coronavirus last Friday at the age of 76, sparking mourning across the football world and leaving a huge hole within the Leeds United family.

The move has now been made to create a fitting tribute to Hunter, who amassed a huge 726 appearances for the Whites over a 14 year period from 1962-1976, the club’s most successful era to date.

He will now become immortalised at Elland Road, along with Don Revie and John Charles who also have stands named in their honour and of course, the great Billy Bremner whose statue stands proudly outside of our famous ground.

Norman’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.”

Leeds United owner, Andrea Radrizzani, added: “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.

“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.

“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.”

Born on Friday 29th October 1943 in Eighton Banks, County Durham, Hunter left school at the age of 15 to become an electrical fitter.

Playing for Birtley Juniors, he was scouted by Leeds and following a trial game was offered a place on the club’s ground staff.

Making his Leeds debut against Swansea Town at the age of 18 on Saturday 8th September 1962, he helped Revie’s side to a 2-0 victory and went on to become one of the greatest centre-backs the game has ever seen.

Earning the infamous nickname "Bites Yer Legs", Hunter helped Leeds rise from the Second Division and was at the heart of the defence as the club became champions of England twice and Inter-Cities Fairs Cup winners twice, along with successes in the 1968 League Cup, 1969 Charity Shield and 1972 FA Cup.

He won a total of 28 caps for England and was in the 1966 World Cup winning squad, whilst was also the first winner of the PFA Players' Player of the Year in 1974.

Norman remained part of the furniture at Elland Road throughout the years and was a regular speaker in the suite that is also named in his honour, he always had time for supporters and was loved by everyone he came into contact with.

We would like to thank our supporters and the media for respecting the families wishes for privacy at this difficult time and would ask that this continue as the family continue to grieve.