Speaking on Thursday's Off The Ball, John Giles discussed the well-being of his former Leeds United teammate and friend, Norman Hunter. 

After the announcement that former Leeds United and England defender Norman Hunter had contracted Covid-19 and was "severely unwell" in hospital, John Giles, a former teammate of Hunter's and a long-time friend, shared his concerns on Off The Ball while offering a glimpse into the kind of man Hunter is.

"It is a very worrying time," expressed Giles. "Norman has underlying health problems, unfortunately, so fingers crossed, in a big way.

"We don't get together as much as we should do, but when we do, I'd be very, very close with Norman and it is just like we've never been apart.

"He is a top class individual, one of the most humble people you could ever meet. Norman wouldn't ever talk about himself, he'd never be bragging and he is just down to earth.

"I think he was always grateful too for what he had done in football."

Leeds United celebrate winning the FA Cup: (l-r) Mick Bates, Paul Madeley, Eddie Gray, Paul Reaney, Johnny Giles, Jack Charlton, Allan Clarke, Billy Bremner, Peter Lorimer, Norman Hunter, David Harvey

Teammates together at Leeds United, Giles and Hunter won every available domestic honour together.

"Before Don Revie took over in 1961," recalled Giles, "the previous manager had released Norman. So, Don went and brought him back. But he loved him.

"We'd go and play golf on our day off on a Tuesday - myself and Peter Lorimer against Norman and Don - and Don would come in on the Monday and say, 'Are we taking them on tomorrow, son?'

"Norman used to be unbelievably annoyed by this. 'I wish he wouldn't say that.' But sure, we'd just say, 'Ah, Norman, you're coming out with your Dad tomorrow!'

"But he was one of the best professionals I ever played with or against."

Everton's Jimmy Husband (l) and Leeds United's Johnny Giles (r) looks on as Leeds United trainer Les Cocker treats an injured Norman Hunter (c)

A superb defender who was part of England's extended squad as they won the 1966 World Cup, John Giles is hopeful that his friend recovers and comes through his current challenges.

In a statement released by Leeds United earlier today charting Norman Hunter's progress, it read:

Norman Hunter continues to battle the COVID-19 virus in hospital and whilst he is, as expected, fighting incredibly hard, remains severely unwell.

His family would like to take this opportunity to thank all Leeds United supporters for their amazing messages and well wishes.

They would also like to say a huge thank you the NHS doctors and nurses who continue to do an amazing job 24 hours a day for Norman and all of those currently in their care.

As a club, we would also like to thank our fans, the wider football community and the media for respecting the wishes of privacy from the family at this time.

We will continue to provide regular updates in the coming days.

Keep fighting Norman, we are all with you.

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