Ayling and Woodgate acknowledge Leeds United pasts in touching moments at Elland Road

They returned to Elland Road looking to take three points away with them, but Leeds United favourites Jonathan Woodgate and Luke Ayling could not ignore their pasts. The former is on Michael Carrick’s staff and the latter has been a key lieutenant for the Teesside outfit this season.

Ayling will have been highly disappointed not to start the game, but, unfortunately for him, saw Anfernee Dijksteel score at Burnley on Friday night to retain his place. The veteran didn’t start the EFL Cup tie in August either, but at least got on the field that night.

Now 33, Ayling’s chances of playing at Elland Road again may rest on each club’s fate in May. If Middlesbrough and the Whites are in different divisions next season, last night may have been his last inclusion in a matchday squad at the stadium.

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Ayling remained respectful to the visiting supporters who now cheer him on every week, but knew he had to take in the reception he received. As he came down the John Charles Stand touchline to warm up in the first half, there was widespread applause along the terraces and Ayling clapped back. "You're Leeds and you know you are" was chanted.

Then, again, after the full-time whistle, Ayling’s name was sung by all sides of the stadium with the supporters well aware of the circumstances. Ayling took a few moments to step out onto the pitch, on his own, and clap all sides of the ground before disappearing down the tunnel.

Woodgate, who left Leeds 21 years ago, was given a smaller but just as warm welcome back. As the coach went past the home dugout, something was said to him and he gave a thumbs-up.

Then, as he went to climb down into the away dugout, several supporters in the first couple of rows shook his hand and applauded him, a homegrown talent, of course. Between them, Ayling and Woodgate made 410 appearances for Leeds.