Ayling - natural replacement for Giles

I think he's great, ok he's not the best footballer but he brings so much more than that!! He probably has more passion in this squad than 99% of them!
 
C’mon he’s way past his best - we can do better surely, and we already have a similar old head in Tommy Smith who can hopefully make a full recovery from his injury in time for preseason. I think we should be looking at someone younger with pace to compete with Smith for the right back spot
 
Merlin said:
C’mon he’s way past his best - we can do better surely, and we already have a similar old head in Tommy Smith who can hopefully make a full recovery from his injury in time for preseason. I think we should be looking at someone younger with pace to compete with Smith for the right back spot
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Who would you suggest signing?

I actually think he’s better than Smith. Similar levels defensively and much better going forward.

Not sure I’d want to have both as our RB options. Big Anf on his way out I feel, so would better to have a younger option.

Just don’t see RB being a priority in the summer though so can’t see them shipping out two and replacing with Ayling + 1 other.
 
I do understand the sentiment. We have lacked a passion player for sometime. Howson leads by example but isnt the chest-beater the fans long for but calling for an extension to Aylings contract proves we have zero ambition. He will cost us in the long run over mistakes. Hes a back up at best but I get the impression he needs to be playing to keep somewhat sharp.
 
On The Bob said:
Who would you suggest signing?

I actually think he’s better than Smith. Similar levels defensively and much better going forward.

Not sure I’d want to have both as our RB options. Big Anf on his way out I feel, so would better to have a younger option.

Just don’t see RB being a priority in the summer though so can’t see them shipping out two and replacing with Ayling + 1 other.
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Kaine Kessler Hayden Villa RB is on our radar
Brook Norton Cuffy Arsenal RB
Danny McNamara Millwall RB free
 
Merlin said:
someone younger with pace to compete with Smith for the right back spot
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Think we have one if those but Carrick obviously doesn't fancy him.

Ayling will be a pragmatic signing, low cost and reliable.

Given it allows more of our summer budget to be spent elsewhere I'd be very surprised if he didn't sign.
 
Jonny Ingbar said:
Think we have one if those but Carrick obviously doesn't fancy him.

Ayling will be a pragmatic signing, low cost and reliable.

Given it allows more of our summer budget to be spent elsewhere I'd be very surprised if he didn't sign.
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Going forward ive actually been surprised by how good a footballer he is. Defensively yes hes not the quickest but i would be happy to keep him. Hes a positive experienced pro like howson they are invaluable if you want promotion
 
I doubt we’ll sign many players from the championship in the summer. Much more likely to get punts from abroad or league 1 and then sprinkle with some prem cast offs.
 
He's more than done enough to be under consideration. He was rusty in the first few games.

Yet it's easy to forget he'd not had a kick prior to joining us. Then straight into 14-15 starts. I'm not surprised he's decent going forward. It's what he was so popular for at Leeds.

I'm not sure 'his legs have gone' argument holds up? He's only 32. Also how many fullbacks are actually good at 'defending' these days? Clubs buy fullbacks based on how well they get forward. I think him and Smith can more than do a job as 1st choice.

It's not as easy to say 'we need to buy someone younger'. We've had 4 left backs and not had much luck finding one. Thomas is young and prem experienced yet not remotely looked as good as Ayling on the opposite side.

I read he's already got 4 assists? That's already more than some of our wingers / CMs and forwards.

That said it could be pretty irrelevant. I imagine he's quite a big earner at Leeds. Although he's available on a free. He will probably still want a few quid as arguably his last decent move.
 
Jonny Ingbar said:
Think we have one if those but Carrick obviously doesn't fancy him.

Ayling will be a pragmatic signing, low cost and reliable.

Given it allows more of our summer budget to be spent elsewhere I'd be very surprised if he didn't sign.
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Ayling is on £25k pw
Greenwood £30k pw
Obrien £15k pw some sites say £45k pw
Thomas £15k pw
I like Ayling but not at those figures.£15k yes.
Greenwood no
Obrien yes if fee is affordable
Thomas , I think on a free he would be worth it.
 
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Merlin said:
C’mon he’s way past his best - we can do better surely, and we already have a similar old head in Tommy Smith who can hopefully make a full recovery from his injury in time for preseason. I think we should be looking at someone younger with pace to compete with Smith for the right back spot
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Far better player than Smith !
 
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