Leeds United and its supporters were let down by the players, according to Luke Ayling, who has vowed to return the Whites to the top flight. The vice-captain has set his mind to celebrating Championship promotion with the fans after Covid kept them apart in 2020.
With Liam Cooper injured for much of the run-in, Ayling was at the forefront of the club’s efforts to stave off relegation down the home straight as captain. The 31-year-old contributed important goals against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Newcastle United, but ultimately watched on as the side was relegated last weekend.
Ayling was one of the stars of the 2019/20 Championship title win and felt the pain of being unable to properly celebrate promotion with the supporters because of Covid restrictions. The incentive of putting that right is driving Ayling through this close season.
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“We let this club down,” he said on Instagram. “To the fans, I am sorry we couldn’t keep you in the Premier League. All my attention now is to make sure we bounce back straight away.
“When we got promoted last time we did it without being able to celebrate with our great fans and now that’s what I look forward to and dream of doing.”
Ayling has one year remaining on his contract at Elland Road. With Rasmus Kristensen keen to stay at Leeds next season and Cody Drameh, a proven Championship performer, back from his Luton Town loan, a decision will need to be made on the right-back pecking order.
Ayling evidently wants to continue. Kristensen’s ability to play at centre-back may count in his favour if the club looks to show Drameh he will play next term.
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