Background
Ayling was born in Lambeth, London and began his career at Arsenal joining the club at the age of 10.
Ayling was born in Lambeth, London and began his career at Arsenal joining the club at the age of 10.
He was part of Arsenal youth team"s double-winning side of the 2008-2009 season, before signing his first professional contract in July 2009. Ayling was loaned out to Yeovil Town in March 2010 and played four matches. At the end of the season Ayling agreed a permanent deal with Yeovil after not being offered a new contract at Arsenal.
Arsenal
Born in Lambeth, London, Ayling joined Arsenal at the age of 10, despite being a loyal Chelsea fan, progressing through the Arsenal youth sides, playing alongside Jack Wilshere, before signing scholarship forms with the club in the summer of 2007.
In June 2009, Ayling signed his first professional contract with Arsenal. Ayling"s only call into the first team squad came during the 2009-2010 season.
Awarded the number 46 shirt, Ayling was an unused substitute for a dead rubber 1–0 Union of European Football Associations Champions League group stage defeat to Olympiacos on 9 December 2009. Ayling departed the club in June 2010 after his contract expired.
Yeovil Town
In March 2010, Ayling joined Football League One side Yeovil Town on loan for an initial month, and on 2 April 2010, made his professional debut as a second-half substitute in a 0–0 draw away at Southend United.
Ayling"s loan was extended until the end of the season, Ayling played four games in total including his first league start in the final game of the season against Brighton & Hove Albion, on 8 May 2010. On 20 May 2010, Ayling agreed a permanent deal with Yeovil. He linked up with Yeovil Town for pre-season training on 1 July 2010, subject to a successful medical.
Ayling made his debut in a 2–1 victory over Leyton Orient.
Ayling made forty appearances in his first full season with Yeovil but had discipline issues receiving thirteen yellow and two red cards. Early in the 2012-2013 season, Ayling reached a milestone 100 games for the club, having established himself as a consistent player and a fan favourite.
On 19 May 2013, Ayling played in the 2013 League One play-off Final as Yeovil beat Brentford 2–1 to secure promotion to the Football League Championship. His contract expired in June 2014 and after rejecting the offer of a new deal he left Yeovil Town.
Bristol City
Following his departure from Yeovil Town, Ayling signed for fellow League One side Bristol City on 8 July 2014 for an undisclosed compensation fee, signing a three-year deal.
Ayling made his debut for Bristol City, on 9 August 2014, in their opening day victory over Sheffield United. Former Guardian sports writer Steve Claridge lauded Ayling for his "reading of the game, communications skills, organisation skills, aerial prowess, two footedness and use of the ball" in his scouting reports column.