‘Fans are overjoyed’ – Exclusive: Whelan thrilled by big Leeds development
Noel Whelan has applauded the decision from Leeds United to name a stand at Elland Road after the late Norman Hunter.
The former Leeds striker and boyhood fan of the club, speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor, says that the fans will be delighted to see an icon of the club immortalised at the stadium.
Leeds revealed on Thursday that they would be renaming the south stand of the ground after their former star, following his passing at the age of 76.
The former defensive enforcer played over 700 games for the club and established himself as a key member of Don Revie’s iconic Leeds side.
Whelan says that naming a stand after Hunter is a fitting tribute for a Leeds legend, revealing he was still very much part of the club until his passing.
Whelan told Football Insider: “I’ve known Norman since I’ve been at the club and around the club doing my BBC work. A great gentleman, very kind, very sincere and an absolute legend of the club.
“Not only has he achieved championships with Leeds United, over 700 appearances, but he was part of the World Cup-winning squad in 1966 which goes to show what a great player he was. Full of tenacity on the field but an absolute gentleman off it.
“I think it’s a really fitting tribute that the club are going to name the stand after him, I think it’s only right. There’s not many people you can name a legend, and it’s bandied around far too easily, but he is an absolute legend of the football club.
“The fans are overjoyed by naming the south stand after him and he’ll be sorely missed by everybody because he was fantastic in and around Elland Road on matchday. A sad, sad loss for Leeds United.”
Hunter spent 14 years as a Leeds player, earning the nickname ‘Bites Yer Legs’ for his tough tackling and tenacity.
He has the fourth most appearances for the club, sitting behind former teammates Jack Charlton, Billy Bremner and Paul Reaney.
In other Leeds United news, Whelan has tipped a senior mainstay to be the first name out the door this summer.