please log in to view this image Bristol City FC 2 mins · Bristol City Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Norman Hunter. Norman was taken to hospital at the end of last week after being diagnosed with COVID-19, and despite the treatment, the 76-year-old sadly lost his fight earlier this morning. The defender, who was part of the England team that won the 1966 World Cup, played 122 times in all competitions for City between 1976-1979, the years of their return to the top flight under Alan Dicks. Hunter 'bite yer legs' (nicknamed so for his tackling) signed from Leeds United where he earned his legendary status in the game going on to make some 540 appearances. He would later join Barnsley before retiring in 1983. The thoughts of everyone at Bristol City are with Norman’s family and friends at this very difficult time.
Very, very sad he was a warrior, legend and a better footballer than many people ever gave him credit for, he will be sadly missed RIP Norman 'bites yer legs' Hunter and thanks for the glorious memories.
Got to say, shed a tear to this news. Another of my sporting heroes gone. RIP Norman "Bite yer Legs" Hunter
Very sad news, thoughts are with Norman's family and friends. Football has lost a legend and we join the entire football community in mourning this loss
Never watched him but I've seen highlights. The esteem with which he's spoken about says it all. Didn't he run a sports shop on Wells Road or something like that?
He did and I worked in the Butchers shop next door to Norman Hunter Sports after school and on a Saturday. He was always a true gentleman to this star struck kid
Watched Norman in every season he was with us. He was a fine footballer and hard as nails on the pitch. RIP Sir you gave me the four best years watching Bristol City never forgotten
Wouldn't get that nowadays would you . Yeah my dad always mentions going into his shop after school as kid as well. Times have changed! Sounds like a top bloke.
Norm bought the Sports Shop on Gilda Parade from a mate of mine. In the 70's I was an agent who sold City draw tickets. A syndicate where I worked won and the entire City squad presented the £1,000 prize in our local. Norman had time for all he spoke to and I had a long chat about Bobby Moore and also the Polish game. The thing that stood out for me was his humility, just a real genuine guy. Best defender I've ever seen but an even better man.
I remember this goal as if it was yesterday, it was a great goal many fans never realised his boot had come off until he retrieved it and started to put it back on.
I'd echo all of that and he was at the shop a lot of the time which I didn't expect. He was always happy to chat, even to kids. I'm not even sure he made that much money out of it, but he always attracted a crowd who wanted to say hello and meet him.
It was a different world back then, literally. For the older posters on here, I also visited Ted McDougall's sports shop in Bournemouth and met him before his big move to Manchester United. I was bought a pair of the Peter Bonetti soft green goalkeepers gloves there for anyone that might remember them ?
I was at that game and thought it was a sod of earth he had kicked up ...then he put his boot back on …. I said to mate Les he is going to put the dirt back!!!!!
