FOREST GREEN boss Mark Cooper has sent  a message of support to Norman Hunter after it was revealed the Leeds United legend had tested positive for the coronavirus.

Hunter is godfather to Cooper after forging a friendship with Terry Cooper during their time together at Leeds and Bristol City.

Forest Green's boss said: "Hoping my godfather Norman Hunter recovers from coronavirus and all our thoughts are with him and his wife Sue and his son Michael and daughter Claire."

The 76-year-old, dubbed “Bites yer legs”, had a reputation as a ferocious tackler during his 540 games in 15 years at Elland Road. Leeds were quick to send one of their enduring cult heroes a message, saying: “Keep battling Norman, we are all with you.”

Hunter was a non-playing member of Sir Alf Ramsey’s 1966 World Cup-winning England squad and won 28 caps. In 1974 he became the inaugural winner of the PFA player of the year award. His first-team career started in 1962 and he won one second-division title, the FA Cup, the League Cup and two Fairs Cups.

Under Jimmy Armfield, Hunter also played in the controversial 1975 European Cup final defeat by Bayern Munich. The following year he joined Bristol City before ending his playing career at Barnsley, where he became manager in 1980. He won promotion from Division Three in his first season but was sacked in 1984, later spending two years in charge of Rotherham.