Bristol City first-team coach John Pemberton has urged the home fans to give returning right-back Luke Ayling a "good reception" when his present side Leeds United visit Ashton Gate on Tuesday night.

The 25-year-old switched sides to join the Peacocks this summer after spending two seasons with the Robins.




During his first season with the club the right-back was an ever-present, being involved in the team's promotion challenge, eventually helping the Robins finish at the top of League One and thus secure a place in the Championship for the 2015/16 season.

Ayling though has shifted his allegiance and is now part of Garry Monk's team, having established himself in the Leeds side.
 


The present first-team coach of Bristol City is all praise for the right-back and insists that the Leeds United move came at the right juncture of the player's career and the fans should not hold a grudge against him and give him a hero's welcome.  

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“Bill was great for us, on and off the pitch. He was always smiling, he’s a great lad and I do miss him around the place", Pemberton told Bristol City's official website.

“He was a big part of a successful period for the club. It was the right time for him and the club when he joined Leeds. He’s got a new challenge now.

“I hope he gets a good reception and knowing the Bristol City fans like I do, I‘m sure they will give him a warm welcome on his return.”