Luke Ayling- Farewell Bill

[Musicman1965]

He is now like an old sheepdog that's past his prime.
Out comes the shotgun and put the mother out of his misery..

[Leeds1000]

I would say so yes. He's been a great servant and has given us some good moments but when Spence gets fit he will be a shoe for the season. I can't think of too many better attacking fullbacks for the couple of seasons under Bielsa in the Championship. He's never been a top class defender.

[Jaydog]

He is now like an old sheepdog that's past his prime.
Out comes the shotgun and put the mother out of his misery..

Can you do that? Will Farke say “sorry Luke but at least it’s me and not Bamford. I never miss “.

[Pullhard]

We definitely need some older experienced players in the squad - Cooper, Bamford, Ayling and could do with a few more.

Whatever about their impact on the pitch, their contribution off the pitch is very necessary.
We have a very young team and some steady heads are needed.

[Barlow Boy]

When the manager is trusting a 17 year old kid and playing him out of position in front of Luke, then I’d suggest the writing is on the wall.

As others have said though, his contribution for us, over the years, has been immense and his experience will be crucial this season on and off the pitch.

[whiteswan]

We definitely need some older experienced players in the squad - Cooper, Bamford, Ayling and could do with a few more.

Whatever about their impact on the pitch, their contribution off the pitch is very necessary.
We have a very young team and some steady heads are needed.

Agree

[whiteswan]

When the manager is trusting a 17 year old kid and playing him out of position in front of Luke, then I’d suggest the writing is on the wall.

As others have said though, his contribution for us, over the years, has been immense and his experience will be crucial this season on and off the pitch.

Agree

[Kennyb41]

I'd go so far to say - He's been a model pro at LUFC during his time here.

[andrewjohnsmith]

If his days are numbered, they'll be numbered until the end of the season at least.

We've got one of the youngest playing squads in the league. We need a little experience around the training ground and the dressing room. Ayling and Cooper are great professionals. Thats why they're captain and VC. We still need them around.

But I do agree that Farke needs to be playing his strongest XI every week, regardless of age, experience, or leadership.

We other options. But how many times can't expect Archie to be playing right back too often. And Shackleton while having a great start to the season, was poor at RB against Soton. Hopefully Djed Spence makes it back and plays the bulk of the season there. That does make Ayling a bench player. But I'm sure he'll be a professional about it.

I suppose the bigger issue is that Ayling and Cooper are blocking the progress of guys like Cresswell. That's unfortunate but unfortunately just the way it is.

[1964white]

We definitely need some older experienced players in the squad - Cooper, Bamford, Ayling and could do with a few more.

Whatever about their impact on the pitch, their contribution off the pitch is very necessary.
We have a very young team and some steady heads are needed.

My sentiments too, as I posted earlier.
viewtopic.php?p=1124951#p1124951

[Pullhard]

Luke’s contract is up at the end of the season. Cooper and Drameh the same.

Rodon and Spence loans also finish at the end of the season.

Not to mention Rasmus and Llorente back in the frame.

Will make for an interesting window next Summer for the defence

[1964white]

Luke’s contract is up at the end of the season. Cooper and Drameh the same.

Rodon and Spence loans also finish at the end of the season.

Not to mention Rasmus and Llorente back in the frame.

Will make for an interesting window next Summer for the defence

Coops & Ayling must be due to testimonials.

[DDB220]

Coops & Ayling must be due to testimonials.

Not sure it is still a thing. Unless as a charitable fundraiser.
Wasn’t Radebe the last player to have a testimonial in 2006 ?

[Barlow Boy]

Not sure it is still a thing. Unless as a charitable fundraiser.
Wasn’t Radebe the last player to have a testimonial in 2006 ?

Some still get them, but just give the money to charity.

Obviously they didn’t need the money themselves these days.

[1964white]

Not sure it is still a thing. Unless as a charitable fundraiser.
Wasn’t Radebe the last player to have a testimonial in 2006 ?

The last one I attended, with over 32,000 fans at ER, to salute the great man.

My previous testimonial was Gary Kelly's vs Celtic in early 2002.

[1964white]

Some still get them, but just give the money to charity.

Obviously they didn’t need the money themselves these days.

I hope they have one for Coops & Ayling, maybe a combined one.

One thing for certain, Geronimo won't be there to give them a good send-off

[DDB220]

I hope they have one for Coops & Ayling, maybe a combined one.

One thing for certain, Geronimo won't be there to give them a good send-off

[Kennyb41]

Yes they are, this is Lukes last season with LUFC.

[geronimo]

I hope they have one for Coops & Ayling, maybe a combined one.

One thing for certain, Geronimo won't be there to give them a good send-off

Give over they have been stealing a living for the last three years masquerading as professional footballers

[Cjay]

More and more talk gathering online that Luke has gone/is basically gone.

Boro is the rumour.

His walk round after Peterborough did feel a bit like a farewell.