Bristol City manager Lee Johnson feels his former charge Luke Ayling did the right thing by quitting the Robins for Leeds United, but admits in hindsight his side should not have sold the right-back.

The defender, who was snapped up by Leeds from Bristol City in the summer of 2016, will return to his former stomping ground when the Whites visit Ashton Gate on Saturday.




Ayling has managed to establish himself as a vital member of the Leeds squad, with the 26-year-old thus far turning out 58 times for the Yorkshire giants.

And Johnson, who explained that Ayling is always welcome back at Bristol City, thinks the right-back’s decision to join Leeds was right on a personal level.
 


However, the 36-year-old was quick to add that although Ayling’s departure cleared the funds for Bristol City to bring in the likes of Tammy Abraham on loan, in all honesty, selling the former Yeovil Town man was bad decision for the club.

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“Yes, obviously I’ll say hello”, he said on bctv, when asked if he will be catching up with Ayling before or after Saturday’s game.

“Luke is obviously a good lad and a funny guy, he was great for the [team] spirit.

“Obviously he wanted to make a move to Leeds and it was right for him.

“But he’ll always be welcome back here.

“Leeds are a big club and he got a big contract, it was the right thing to do at the time.

“It probably didn’t turn out that way [for us] if I’m honest.

“In hindsight it was a bad move [for us], but at the time it was the right decision as it allowed us to free up  Financial Fair Play and bring in the likes of Tammy Abraham with that money.

“Obviously Luke was a fantastic servant, not only for Bristol City, but also for my other favourite club – Yeovil Town.

“He played for my dad as well, he has done well for every club he has been at so far.”

Ayling, who has thus far made 15 appearances in all competitions for Leeds in the current campaign, signed a new four-year deal with the Whites on Thursday.