Few players embody what it is to be Leeds United more than club legend Norman Hunter, who made a landmark career appearance on this day in 1973.
For many fans, Norman Hunter is the perfect distillation of the all-conquering Leeds side under Don Revie, as he combined an uncompromising playing style with elite skill.
Hunter joined Leeds in the summer of 1959, shortly after legendary figures Revie and Billy Bremner joined the club as the core elements of Leeds’ success began to coalesce.
The defender from County Durham would go on to play a total of 726 games for the Elland Road club, which means he sits third in the list of leading appearance makers for Leeds.
His 600th appearance came in a vintage game against Liverpool on this day in 1973, as Leeds secured a crucial win on their way to the First Division title.
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Norman Hunter honoured as Leeds United win over Liverpool
Leeds came into their game against Liverpool in October 1973 riding high in the league table as they looked to add the second First Division title of the Revie era.
According to a report in the Huddersfield Examiner from that day, Hunter was honoured by both sides before the game to mark his landmark appearance as they formed a guard of honour for the Leeds legend.
The report went on to praise his performance, stating: “There was much to admire among the defenders and Hughes, Smith, Madeley and Hunter were quite splendid,” before adding: “[Hunter] showed that he had done more than enough to show that he had earned his recognition.”
Leeds went into the game without star men Jonny Giles and Eddie Gray, but they were able to find a way to win in their absence.
Club legend Peter Lorimer provided the decisive cross, which was headed home by Mick Jones, as Leeds found the win that Hunter deserved in his landmark match.
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Leeds United legend won prestigious PFA award in 1974
Hunter was at the peak of his powers in the 1973/74 season as Leeds finally got their hands on the First Division title for the second time.
In recognition of his brilliant performances for Leeds, Hunter was named as the winner of the first PFA Players’ Player of the Year award in March 1974.
Speaking via the Evening Despatch from the awards, Leeds boss Revie paid tribute to Hunter, stating: “No manager could ask for a more dedicated footballer. If it hadn’t been for Bobby Moore he would have been a first choice for England for the past eight years.
“He has had to take some unfair criticism over the years and I’m delighted that his skill has been recognised through this award. No one deserves it more.”
It was a fitting tribute to a legendary Leeds player, who is too often reduced the caricature of a no-nonsense, tough-tackling hooligan, ignoring his class as a defender.
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