Norman Hunter reflects on his iconic Leeds United career, from Don Revie’s mentorship to the unforgettable European nights at Elland Road. A journey of grit and passion
Early Days at Leeds
“Coming up to my 17th birthday, when I got signed as a professional, Jack Taylor was the manager at the time. Some lads were coming in and going out, all smiles. Goss had been signed. When I got there, Jack said to me, ‘For some reason, I’ll give you another six months. We’ll see what you can do.’ But you know what you want to do, and we’ll give you six months. In those six months, Jack Taylor got sacked, and Don Revie took over as manager. His first signing was Albert Johanneson, and his second signing was me. I have so much to be thankful for because of what Don Revie did for me.”
Revie’s appointment as Leeds manager marked a turning point in Hunter’s career. Like many players during that era, Hunter found a mentor in Revie, someone who not only helped him develop his footballing ability but also provided the father figure he had never had.
The Don Revie Influence
“I never really had a father figure until I came to Leeds, and the gaffer just made it so interesting. I couldn’t wait every day to get up, go down there, see the lads, and go training.”
Hunter’s rise to prominence wasn’t due to natural brilliance from the outset. He improved significantly thanks to Leeds United’s culture during the Revie years, which was built on dedication, training, and team spirit.
“I was never exceptional as a kid, but with the training and my enthusiasm, along with the support of the other lads and everyone around us, we just got better and better. I don’t think we realized until afterward what kind of talent and characters we had in that group of players. When we came out of the Second Division, everyone said Leeds would go straight back down, but they didn’t appreciate or know the strength of our group and how much we’d come through the ground staff. It was quite phenomenal.”
The Strength of the Team
Leeds’ success during this period is often overshadowed by their infamous “Dirty Leeds” reputation, but as Hunter points out, the team was filled with incredibly talented players who not only played hard but played well.
“People tend to focus on the ‘Dirty Leeds’ image, but they forget the great players we had. Don Revie then bought Johnny Giles, and what a great footballer he was. Alongside him was Billy Bremner—two great players with passion and a will to win, but they were so different. Billy could do magical things, while Johnny would drop back and dictate the play.”
Hunter’s role was clear: win the ball and pass it to the playmakers. Surrounded by talent like Johnny Giles, Billy Bremner, and others, Hunter thrived in a system built on shared responsibility and trust.
“I used to win the ball and give it to those who could play well. I’d pass it to Johnny Giles, Billy Bremner, Terry Cooper, Eddie Gray, Paul Reaney, or Peter Lorimer. If I got stuck, I only had Alan Clark and Mick Jones up front. From a central defender’s point of view, you couldn’t go wrong; all you had to do was win the ball and give it to them.”
Leadership and Jack Charlton
One of the standout figures in Leeds’ defense was Jack Charlton, a man who commanded respect and epitomized the strength of the team.
“The big man, Jack Charlton, was never easy at first. There was only one way to London: Big Jack Charlton’s way. He was the kingpin, telling us what to do, where to go, and everything else. Jack owed a big debt to Don Revie. The gaffer told Jack to knuckle down and play football properly. When Jack Charlton was on his game, there was no better center-half in the country.”
Charlton’s leadership extended beyond Leeds. Hunter recalls how instrumental Charlton was during England’s 1966 World Cup win, a tournament where Charlton’s contributions were often overlooked.
“Jack didn’t get enough credit for the 1966 World Cup win. Everyone else got the praise, but Jack Charlton was immense in that tournament.”
Fond Memories and European Nights
Despite his hardened reputation, Charlton’s relationship with his teammates, including Hunter, was built on respect. Hunter shares a humorous moment when he stood up to Charlton during a match, only to reconcile afterward.
“I remember the first time I shouted back at Jack. We were playing West Ham, and I was marking Clyde Best. A ball came in, and Best got a header. Jack came running back and said, ‘Every time I leave the middle, someone gets a header in, and it’s you.’ I lost my temper and told him off. Later, I apologized, and he said, ‘Ah, doesn’t matter.’ He just walked off into the bath.”
For Hunter, success at Leeds wasn’t limited to domestic competition. The team’s performances in Europe are some of his fondest memories.
“European nights were special. Under floodlights at Elland Road, packed with fans, you couldn’t beat that atmosphere. The gaffer would say, ‘It’s us against them, lads, come on,’ and we’d battle. We started to get on top of teams, and they’d start to lose confidence. We were a hard team to beat in Europe, especially under those floodlights on a Tuesday or Wednesday night.”
A Legacy Defined by Revie
Looking back, Hunter credits his entire footballing journey to the moment he was signed as a professional under Don Revie.
“Getting signed as a professional under Don Revie was the most important thing. I didn’t know at the time what was going to happen, but it has led to so many great games and occasions. It’s hard to pick one highlight, but being signed as a professional footballer has to be right at the top because none of the good memories would have happened without it.”
Norman Hunter’s legacy at Leeds United is undeniable, and his reflections provide a glimpse into the heart and soul of a player who gave everything for the club and his teammates. From the nurturing guidance of Don Revie to the unforgettable nights under the Elland Road floodlights, Hunter’s career is a testament to the unity and spirit that defined Leeds during their golden era.
