Patrick Bamford ‘delighted’ with Leeds United news on Thursday
Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford is “delighted” with the news that defender Luke Ayling has extended his stay at Elland Road, and praised his crucial impact in the dressing room.
The board confirmed on Thursday (16 February) that they had exercised an extension clause in the 31-year-old’s contract.
The 31-year-old would have been free to leave at the end of this season if the extension was not triggered and Bamford admits people almost forgot about Ayling when he wasn’t playing at the start of the campaign, but insists he’s been crucial since his return.
Speaking to BBC West Yorkshire Sport Daily [16 February], he said: “Yeah, I’m delighted, he’s obviously a crucial member of the team and I think people maybe started to forget about him when he wasn’t playing at the start of the season, thought that he was gonna be a bit-part player but he’s shown especially last two games how crucial he is.
“And not only with his performances but having him on the pitch to step in when Coops isn’t there as the captain is vital, just the way he is around the dressing room and around the place but he’s a good guy.”
Huge news
It’s clear to see how crucial Ayling is through Bamford’s comments as the 31-year-old still remains a vital part of the Leeds United setup despite his limited appearances this season.
In fact, since his return to the side in place of Rasmus Kristensen who was signed by former manager Jesse Marsch, Ayling was arguably one of their better performers in the Roses derby double header against Manchester United.
The full-back’s personality, character, leadership and experience are crucial to such a young and relatively inexperienced squad.
And with the Whites currently undergoing a testing period in the Premier League, also being without a permanent manager at this point, Ayling’s importance around the whole club has already heightened even further.
Ayling still has a huge role to play and it was absolutely vital the club took the decision to extend his stay at Elland Road.
In other Leeds United news, click here to see breaking, around-the-clock updates on Leeds’ search for a new manager in our interactive live blog.
Be sure to follow MOT Leeds News on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date with all the latest, breaking news from Elland Road.