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.
