Leeds United has announced plan to rename South Stand at Elland Road in honour of the club’s legend, Norman Hunter, who died of coronavirus.
South Stand at Elland Road has been renamed ‘The Norman Hunter South Stand’ in honour of the 76-year football legend, who died on April 17 2020.
While disclosing the club’s decision on Thursday April 23, 2020, the club owner, Andrea Radrizzani, said, “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,”
Andrea Radrizzani added that given the condition of the coronavirus pandemic the club might not be able to give Hunter the send-off he truly deserves; hence the decision to rename the stadium after him.
“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,” added Andrea.
Andrea also thanked the current sponsor of the club TransUnion for their support and for encouraging their decision to rename the stadium in honour of Norman Hunter.
“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,” Andrea said.
While appreciating the kind gesture of the club, Hunter’s wife, Sue said the family are touched by the club’s decision and as result are appreciative of the move.
“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.” Sue said.
She also leveraged the opportunity to appreciate doctors and nurses at NHS who have in one way or the other helped and supported Norman.
“Finally, once again we would also like to thank all the doctors and nurses and everyone in the NHS who supported Norman too,” She added.
Norman Hunter was a successful footballer who from 1926-1976 made 726 appearances for the Leeds United over a 14 years period which was the club’s most successful era to date as it won two Division titles – the FA Cup, League Cup and two Inter-Cities Fairs Cups.
Hunter was the 1974 winner of the PFA’s Player of the Year.
He was a member of England’s 1966 World Cup winning squad. Similarly as a defender, he also won 28 England caps, and he was the fourth legend to be honored after Don Revie, John Charles and Billy Bremner to be immortalized at the stadium.
