RUSSELL: MORE PASSION AT MILLERS

Ahead of Saturday afternoon’s trip to South Yorkshire to take on Rotherham United, Russell Slade spoke to the Press and Media at the Vale.

The City boss reflected on an unfortunate home defeat to Hull City on Tuesday evening, and called for the Bluebirds to get straight back to winning ways against the Millers.

“Obviously there was a feeling of real disappointment,” began Slade. “It’s all been about the usual recovery after the game though.

“I’m confident we’ll get a positive reaction on the weekend, which is exactly what we want. We want a passionate, but professional, display which gets us the three points.”

Despite defeat against the Tigers, Slade was quick to praise both players and fans, as the Bluebirds put in an encouraging performance and were unfortunate not to equalise.

“Steve Bruce said after the game that we were the best side he’s played against this year,” he continued. “They had to be at their best defensively - they were pegged back and had to defend stoutly. That’s certainly a reflection of the progress that we’re making as a side.

“I think we’re playing a decent brand of football. We’ve made a good start which we need to build on and keep progressing.

“The fans certainly reacted to that on Tuesday night, and applauded the team off, having put in a decent performance in defeat. That was encouraging, and I’m sure the fans will continue to back us like that if we maintain that form.”

Finally, despite naming an unchanged eleven in the Bluebirds’ past four matches, Slade revealed his delight with the strength of his current match-day squad, adding: “In any successful team it’s down to that larger group rather than just the eleven.

"I’m delighted with the bench – it’s a particularly strong one. I think that’s important at any level, but particularly here in the Championship. It’s vital we have a strong group that sticks together.

“They’re all good people and good professionals, so those that have been left out don’t let it affect them, and know that they have to be firing on all cylinders when they do come in.

“I’m confident that they can all do a sterling job for us – and we’ve still got a further three to add in with Kiko Macheda, Ben Turner and Idriss Saadi.”