Luke Ayling has thanked Leeds United fans ‘inside’ Elland Road for their support against Newcastle United and believes the next two matches are the biggest of his Whites career.
The Leeds vice-captain was writing on his official Instagram account, where he also spoke of his pride at reaching 250 appearances for the club.
Ayling, of course, marked this achievement with what could be a crucial goal come the end of the season, opening the scoring in the 2-2 draw with the Magpies.
After a difficult run of form, Ayling was somewhere close to being back to his best at the weekend and Leeds will need him to continue to step up if they are to survive.
Ayling sends passionate social media message
Leeds currently sit 18th in the Premier League table ahead of the final two matches, one point adrift of Everton in safety.
Sam Allardyce’s side face a trip to West Ham United on Sunday, where they will be looking to take advantage of some potentially tired legs given they are away in a European semi-final less than 72 hours earlier.
Leeds then finish the season with a home match against a Tottenham Hotspur side who have not won on the road since January.
Vice-captain Ayling has labelled the two remaining fixtures as the ‘most important’ he has ever had during his seven-year spell in West Yorkshire.
“250 games for this great club. The next two will be the most important of them all!!
“Fans INSIDE Elland Road thank you!!”
Ayling’s post has caused somewhat of a stir among Leeds supporters due to the capitalisation of the word ‘inside’.
It is pretty clear that Ayling is referring to what has been written by fans on social media in recent weeks amid the club’s recent run of results.
Criticism of players has undoubtedly crossed the line at times over the last few weeks, with Leeds even having to release a statement at the weekend condemning the abuse sent to Patrick Bamford.
Ayling is another who has received plenty of flack on platforms such as Twitter and therefore he is more than entitled to hit back, but at this stage of the season it is crucial that everyone is sticking together.