Luke Ayling's bittersweet Elland Road exit

Luke Ayling leaves Leeds United after seven-and-a-half years.

Transcript

00:00 It's a bittersweet one because there's been a lot of you know an outpouring of affection for him

00:05 Today with the news that obviously broke

00:09 That he was going there

00:12 It's bitter because you know you don't want to see one of the promotion heroes go, but at the same time it is

00:18 You know the team needs to evolve and this season has been the clearest example of that

00:23 Even when Ailing and Cooper have been fit they've been on the bench or in Ailing's case not even in the squad at times

00:28 So as I think you you put it in a piece this morning Graham. You know the the club don't see

00:33 Denying someone who's not realistically not going to get an extension at Ellen Road

00:39 They don't see the the merits in denying someone like Ailing who's been a great servant to the club the opportunity to go and prove

00:46 himself somewhere else so that he can get another contract because

00:49 Plainly his career is not going to be coming to an end at 32

00:52 Yes, he's played a lot of football. He's vastly experienced, but he's still got a lot to give

00:58 certainly a championship level so

01:00 It's it's a one which I'm sure the club are making with with a heavy heart

01:04 But you know it's it's probably the best for all parties provided that Leeds do bring in another right back this window

01:12 [BLANK_AUDIO]