Leeds United

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Leeds striker Patrick Bamford says it took him "three and a half, maybe four" days to recover from his first start of the season against Birmingham City on New Year's Day.

The 30-year-old has been struggling with a groin injury for much of the campaign but scored an incredible goal against Peterborough in the FA Cup on Sunday.

"It was strange over the Christmas period because the games were every three days," he told the My Mate's A Footballer podcast.

"The actual training period - we never had a block of proper training. It has its ups and downs but considering I hadn't played for the whole season really, after Birmingham it hit me.

"It took me days to recover from that. After the Birmingham game for three-and-a-half, maybe four days, I was still feeling it.

"Then, we had the week's training, played the FA Cup game where I played more minutes, ran more distance, did more sprints, and it's day two after that and I feel fine again. The recovery is back to normal."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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*Clip and podcast contain use of strong language

Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford has been discussing his FA Cup wonder goal on the My Mates A Footballer podcast: "As a striker you always know where the goal is from wherever you are on the pitch. As soon as the ball came over I wasn't thinking 'oh I'm going to chest this down and smack it'. As it came to my chest and I chested it, it was in a perfect position and when it was there I thought 'I'm hitting it'.

"It goes so quickly because it is in a split second you make that decision. You just know when you connect with it, you know straight away. It was such a good connection I thought 'that's going in'.

"I've made the run with the idea in my head that I'm going to receive it running through on goal, take it down to my feet or whatever, but I'm already passing defenders so I've already ruled them out of the equation, which is the ideal scenario for a ball like that.

"At the time of bringing it down, I knew I had to get across the defender, who actually ended up slipping and I didn't realise until I'd hit the ball that he was on the floor. So I had to jump because I thought he was going to challenge me for the ball.

"It's really hard to explain. I can't pinpoint the exact moment I decided to shoot."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Adam Pope, BBC Radio Leeds

Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Leeds United's trip to Cardiff on Saturday.

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Farke had praise for long-time club servant Luke Ayling after he left on loan for Middlesbrough on Wednesday: "He acted with class and style. It was not an easy decision for me. I knew that if I had played him more, he would probably have stayed. I try to act in the best interests of the club."

• He did not comment on potential interest in Luton wing-back Ryan Giles, nor on the possibility of any signings at full-back, only adding: "It's not like our numbers in this position are big, so you want to keep a player like Luke."

• Pascal Struijk will definitely miss the game while Liam Cooper is a major doubt with a groin issue. Meanwhile, Sam Byram, Ian Poveda and Joe Gelhardt should travel. Illan Meslier will be back in goal after serving his suspension.

• Farke said he wanted to keep Gelhardt at the club because at this stage he needs as many bodies as possible. However, midfielder Darko Gyabi is available for loan and has been linked with Plymouth Argyle.

• He is also glad to have Patrick Bamford back near his best form, particularly with his experience.

• He offered a clear message to out-of-favour Charlie Cresswell, saying they have lots of open dialogue but the defender needs to accept the current pecking order and fight as hard as possible to make the team: "We’re totally honest about this. He won’t be picked by me until he is mentally ready. I totally get Charlie’s points but the ball is in his court."

• Finally, Farke identified reasons for recent poor away form: "We are not happy with our last away league games. We have been a bit unlucky but I want us to show a bit more resilience when there are a few decisions against us in away games. We have to improve this as we have shown top performances and results away and we want to return to this."

Leeds striker Patrick Bamford and comedian Joe Wilkinson return for another episode of My Mate's A Footballer.

In this week's show the pair discuss Bamford's FA Cup wonder goal against Peterborough, whether Gary Lineker might be able to take some credit for it and how he has found breaking back into Daniel Farke's side.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

We asked for your thoughts on Luke Ayling leaving Leeds to join Middlesbrough on loan for the rest of the season.

Here's what you had to say:

Johnster: What a fantastic player and person. You will be missed at Leeds, even if only on the bench. You have set remarkable examples in your approach to football and life. We all wish you the very best for the rest of your career and life. MOT

Mark: Luke, thank you for every drop of sweat you gave to Leeds United. It has been a pleasure watching you every time you walked out onto any football pitch - you always gave your all. You will be sadly missed. I wish you and your family all the success in all your endeavours. Take care and again thank you. ALAW MOT.

John: Thank you for everything. When the all-time legends Leeds United team is announced you will always be in it. No need to ask if you did us proud - you did us proud and in some considerable style. Good luck for the future and come back to us some day . You are 'Leeds, Leeds, Leeds.

Robert: Always gave your best on and off the pitch and a fun personality that will be sorely missed. I wish the very best of fortunes for yourself and your family. Thanks for the great footy and many wonderful memories Luke.

Sue: Seeing Luke Ayling win the free-kicks with his tumbling falls has always made me smile. Luke has been a huge asset for Leeds for his nearly eight years of playing for the first team. He’s such a nice, kind lad who deserves every bit of praise he will undoubtedly receive. Thanks for being so brilliant Luke.

Derek: A great player. Luke is just the sort of character you need in a team game. Will miss that smile whilst running towards the East stand every time he ran out for a match. One hundred per cent effort, loyalty and leadership. He should be proud of himself.

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Luke Ayling has penned a farewell to Leeds fans on Instagram, external after completing his loan move to Middlesbrough:

"To Leeds fans all over the world.

"As you might have seen, I’ve joined Middlesbrough on loan for the rest of the season and my contract at Leeds expires in the summer. You can never predict the future but it seems as though it’s time to say goodbye.

"I came to Leeds eight years ago with a fiancee and I leave with an amazing wife, two beautiful children and memories that I will never forget.

"There are so many highlights from my time at Elland Road and obviously promotion back to the Premier League tops them all. Those years with Marcelo and the connection we had between the players and the fans was incredible. I’d like to thank all the managers and staff that I have worked with during my time here – but I have to give extra thanks to Marcelo and his team for all they did for my career and my family. I will be eternally grateful.

"I loved pulling on a Leeds shirt, every single time. Moments that stick in my mind are the goal against Huddersfield just before lockdown, the promotion run when football restarted and many of the games in the season we finished ninth in the Premier League.

"Even staying up the following year at Brentford was brilliant because we shared it with you. To go on and wear the armband was an even greater honour and I got to do that against Birmingham when we celebrated our centenary at Elland Road and also at Anfield for your first game back in the top flight. It’s hard to think of a greater privilege.

"I’d like to thank every single team-mate I’ve had over the years with a special mention for Coops and Stu who have been with me every step of the way.

"There are too many members of staff to thank – you know who you are. From the medical room to the kitchen, from the media department to all of the people that make match days happen, I appreciate everything.

"Finally, I want to thank you lot, the fans. We have built a relationship together that has meant so much to me. Walking out home and away to hear you sing ‘Marching on Together’ and having you behind us through the ups and downs has been beyond special. Thank you for everything, I hope I’ve done you proud.

"At least until the world stops going round.

"Bill."

Send us your tributes to the rampaging full-back’s time at Elland Road

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Leeds United full-back Luke Ayling has joined fellow Championship club Middlesbrough on loan for the rest of the season.

The 32-year-old's move to Riverside Stadium for the remainder of the 2023-24 campaign means he may have played his last game for the Whites given his contract at Elland Road ends this summer.

Ayling joined Leeds from Bristol City in the summer of 2016 for £500,000 and made 268 appearances for the club, mainly as a right-back.

He excelled following the arrival of Marcelo Bielsa prior to the 2018-19 campaign and scored his first goal for the Whites against Rotherham United at Elland Road.

Ayling was a key part of the side that was promoted to the Premier League and similarly during their return to the top flight.

What will your abiding memories of Ayling be? Send us your thoughts

Adam Pope, BBC Radio Leeds

For £200,000 from Bristol City in 2016, Luke Ayling must represent one of the finest buys in Leeds United's history.

His contribution, particularly under former head coach Marcelo Bielsa, was immense. He was a promotion winner as part of the Championship team of the year in 2019-20, scoring United's goal of the season with that stunning volley against Huddersfield Town, before the pandemic closed the campaign down.

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After its resumption and conclusion, with Leeds back in the Premier League, he was crowned the EFL Championship Player of the Year, having fought off competition from Brentford's Ollie Watkins and Aleksandar Mitrovic of Fulham.

He pulled the shirt on 268 times, scored 11 goals, provided 21 assists and had more than 80 clean sheets and appearances as captain. His lung-bursting run to set up Pablo Hernandez' winner at Swansea City was the moment we all knew Leeds were going up, even before it was confirmed.

According to Opta statistics guru Jonny Cooper, external, since his United debut seven and half years ago, the right-back has won more fouls (351) than any other defender to play in the top two tiers of English football in that time.

So celebrated was the Ayling 'flop' - where he would draw a foul by collapsing to the ground after putting his body between man and ball, slowing down and leaving no other option other than for him to be bumped over - it became as big a feature for fans as Pablo Hernandez's propensity to 'meg' his opponent.

It was a unique trait of one of the club's most distinctive characters, who was mentioned in dispatches as a possibility for an England call-up.

But Ayling's contribution to Leeds United's recent history is so far away from just the numbers. Although nicknamed "Bill" - because that is what all the Arsenal academy players were called when he started his career - he was unique.

Not only did he turn his blood to water for the cause, he was never afraid to shirk responsibility off the pitch by speaking when times were rough as well as smooth. The bravery to do so, considering he has a stammer, endeared him to the supporters even more and inspired others who have speech impediments.

Ayling admits he originally shied away from interviews when he came to the club where he has found his voice in every respect. He leaves as a legend of the modern era.

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BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope has been discussing whether Charlie Cresswell will look to secure a move away from Elland Road in the January transfer window on the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast: "It's so sad because he signs this new deal, he wears the number five shirt, so you're thinking: 'Wow, he's going to be starting - great!'

"I don't like seeing players that have come through the academy going without getting a real chance.

"I get it, Joe Rodon has been exceptional and you're not going to get past him. But to lose him - and I think we're in that scenario now - and to not ever see him have a Leeds career is a real shame. He's such a talented player.

"From the player's point of view, he is an England Under-21 international. In a few years' time, he can't have played fewer than 50 games for Leeds; he can't - for his own development. He has got to go and play.

"Daniel Farke has spoken well of him. He's basically said that if Charlie wants to continue to keep the pressure on those who are here, then let's hope he accepts it. But clearly, when you're not being involved at all, the writing seems to be on the wall."

Listen to the full podcast on BBC Sounds

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Adam Pope, BBC Radio Leeds

Leeds United right-back Luke Ayling is set to join Championship rivals Middlesbrough on loan for the rest of the season.

The defender is out of contract in the summer so this will bring to an end a seven-and-a-half-year spell at Elland Road in which he scored 11 goals in 268 appearances.

Adonis Storr, The Roaring Peacock, external

It seems a long time since a Leeds United side met the challenge of the FA Cup third round with the professionalism that this fixture requires.

The cup-record 13th away tie in a row did not help Daniel Farke's side, but the difference in quality was apparent long before it was highlighted by Patrick Bamford's wonder goal.

But the cup is not only about quality. Many Leeds sides over the years have had more quality than their opponents – who can forget Histon's postman? Winning against lower-league opposition is also about attitude and that is something extremely important for the Leeds coach.

“In the summer we came here to create new values, a new culture.. and our demands are very, very high” Farke said in the pre-Peterborough news conference.

This demand for the right attitude had an impact on Wilfried Gnonto earlier in the season when the Italian was sent to train on his own. And for Djed Spence, the demands were too high and his loan was cancelled.

Farke is ruthless in his pursuit of a positive club culture. For him, attitude is the equal of ability. Spence's ability could not save him, and now the rest of the Leeds squad are on notice.

On the latest episode of the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast, BBC Radio Leeds' Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix discuss Patrick Bamford's FA Cup wondergoal.

Listen to the full podcast on BBC Sounds

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Find out who your team has been drawn against in the FA Cup fourth round with the full list of ties below.

• Watford v Southampton

• Blackburn Rovers v Wrexham

• Bournemouth v Swansea City

• West Brom v Brentford/Wolves

• West Ham/Bristol City v Nottingham Forest/Blackpool

• Leicester City v Hull City/ Birmingham City

• Sheffield Wednesday v Coventry City

• Chelsea v Aston Villa

• Ipswich Town v Maidstone United

• Liverpool v Norwich City/Bristol Rovers

• Tottenham v Man City

• Leeds United v Plymouth Argyle

• Crystal Palace/Everton v Luton Town/Bolton

• Newport County/Eastleigh v Wigan/Man Utd

• Sheff Utd v Brighton

• Fulham v Newcastle United

The matches will take place over the weekend of 27-28 January.

Watch all the goals from the third round

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The draw for the FA Cup fourth round will take place on Monday, 8 January before the third-round tie between Wigan Athletic and Manchester United, which is being televised by ITV.

The 16 fourth-round games will be scheduled across the weekend of Saturday, 27 January.

Nicola Pearson, BBC Sport

Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Leeds United's FA Cup match against Peterborough Unitedon Sunday.

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Farke confirmed Sam Byram will miss the game with a hamstring strain, with Pascal Struijk and Joe Gelhardt also unavailable. He also confirmed that Liam Cooper is a doubt, while goalkeeper Karl Darlow will be sidelined for around seven weeks with a finger injury.

• He said "nothing major" happened for the club to decide to end Djed Spence's loan deal, but that they "analysed the first half of the season and impressions over the festive period" to make the decision. He added that the 23-year-old is "a cool guy with a good heart and we wish him all the best".

• He added: "Not one player needs sympathy. It is a privileged position to be a football player. I want to also highlight it wasn't the easiest period for him. Sometimes it doesn't fit and it it doesn't work out, and you have to make a decision."

• On whether the full-back position is a priority in the transfer window, Farke said: "No emergency case. We won't fall asleep because we brought Djed in as players were injured at the time. We have several options. If there is opportunity, at the end we will analyse and assess options and we will only do things we are 100% convinced of."

• Asked about the risk of bringing in new players to the group, he said: "Wherever I go, I am always careful. One thing is quality and potential of a player, but also we get personality and characters who defend the shirt of a club and love the badge of a club."

• He said he is "not interested" in rumours around Luke Ayling's future and that "so far no player is in my office asking to leave", adding: "In the summer I couldn't close the door early enough. I wanted to lock my door with a key. We are in a better situation now as a club and in the table, and everyone is buying into it."

• On the FA Cup, he said: "I'm a big believer in cup competitions. I want to go as far as we can. I want to win each and every round. I know it is not realistic we will win the FA cup, but it's a big competition with big history and is an opportunity for us to present our best."

• He said they "won't do anything stupid" against Peterborough as it is "more of a game on Championship level". He added: "Top teams in League One have the same quality as teams in the middle and bottom of the Championship, otherwise you can't be compete at the top of League One."