'We will see you in Leeds' - Leeds United's Revie Boys will live on at Elland Road forever

There is always an element of shock involved, because we have already immortalised legends before their passing and we also encase them in their achievements, think of them in their prime, wrap them up in memorable moments and never let them go.

The minds of Leeds United supporters are the Neverland, to Hunter or Cherry’s Peter Pan.

This was already a dark and uncertain time for all of us but it has in the last two weeks felt like an assault on the hearts of Whites everywhere.

Two of the city’s adopted sons, its most famous and beloved sons, have been taken far too soon.

There are no silver linings when a life is lost, but there is a small crumb of comfort for grieving Leeds United supporters.

Before Hunter and Cherry passed away, they were left in no doubt as to exactly what the city of Leeds felt about them, how revered and celebrated they were.

The club’s centenary celebrations were a chance for the club to put the Revie boys and all the legends from each and every era, back on the pedestal.

But the ceremony that bestowed the Freedom of the City on the men who forged the club’s greatest era, was a chance for Leeds to say thank you.

Hunter and Cherry knew their worth in this part of the world, they knew that they were loved.

And it is particularly poignant now to look back on footage and images of the Leeds United legends gathering together, the delight on their face at reuniting with ex team-mates and long-lost pals.

It would take a heart of stone to remain unmoved by the sight of Hunter and Terry Cooper’s tender, affectionate embrace when it dawned on the former that the man standing before him was the latter.

Hunter, Cherry and the Revie Boys who are still with us were given another richly deserved day in the sun and they enjoyed it together.

It was one more shared experience to add to the collection of wonderful moments they enjoyed in each other’s company and none of them needed to speak for us to know how much it meant.

It is often said that we leave it too late to express our appreciation for those we love and admire, that tributes paid after their passing should have been delivered long before.

Leeds have indeed paid fitting and lasting tribute to Hunter with the renaming of the South Stand in his honour, but the events at the end of last year, the pomp and civic ceremony and the ovations they received at the centenary ball told the Revie Boys everything the city needed to say.

It is also right to tell that group of legends that the thoughts of the club and the city are with them now, at the most difficult of times.

And as Hunter told opponents in Europe: “We will see you in Leeds.”

Because in Leeds, at Elland Road, the Revie Boys will live on forever.