A local Leeds pub has changed its name in honour of United legend Luke Ayling who left the club earlier this month.
Having been with Leeds for seven seasons and playing a key role in the Marcelo Bielsa side that brought the club back to the Premier League, Ayling became more of a firm fan favourite year after year, and this pub in Beeston is yet more proof in the pudding.
The Old Peacock, which sits just a stone’s throw away from Elland Road, is the most popular pre and post-match haunt for Leeds fans on matchday, and to pay tribute to the fondly thought of full-back they’ve decided to temporarily rename themselves.
Dubbing themselves ‘The Luke Ale Inn’ in his honour — well played — the popular Peacock pub will be known as such for the remainder of the season.
What a privilege.
Ayling himself said as much, writing on his Instagram story: “What an honour. Can’t wait. to get in and have a pint once the season is over”.
Insisting that he is fully focused on kicking at Middlesborough, having joined Michael Carrick’s side on loan until the end of the season before presumably leaving permanently after his contract expiry, he clearly can’t wait to be back as a punter.
He also assured the pints will be on him when he’s back up Yorkshire way. Good lad.
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Ayling, 32, has only played a couple of matches for his new team after joining earlier this month but as a veritable Championship veteran at this point will no doubt prove to be a vital senior addition.
Meanwhile, back at Leeds, his departure wasn’t taken lightly, with countless players past and present joining the fans in bidding an emotional farewell.
A role model on and off the pitch, renaming a pub after him is the least the Old ‘Cock and the Whites could do.
Featured Images — The Old Peacock/Luke Ayling (via Instagram)
