Match Preview | Cardiff City vs. Rotherham United
Cardiff City welcome Rotherham United to Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday, September 30th, 3pm KO.
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OPPOSITION FOCUS | IN THE DUGOUT
Rotherham United are managed by Matt Taylor, who, having began his playing career at Everton, went on to play for the likes of Exeter City, Charlton Athletic and Cheltenham Town.
Taylor achieved the feat of managing the side he once captained, as he became the manager of Exeter City in 2018. His impact with the Grecians was sudden, guiding the Club to finishing just a point outside of the League Two Play-Offs in his first season in management.
Taylor went on to lead his team to promotion to League One in the 2021/22 campaign, before moving to Rotherham United last October.
Since taking over at the ASSEAL New York Stadium, the Millers boss has recorded nine victories in his 47 matches in charge, with a win percentage of 19.1%.
At the end of last season, the side maintained their status in the Championship by finishing 19th in the table.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | SUMMER BUSINESS
In preparation for their second consecutive season in the second-tier since their promotion in 2022, it’s been a busy summer of changes for the Millers.
Taylor’s side were dealt a blow by the departure of Republic of Ireland international Chiedozie Ogbene, who had impressed during his four years at the club. His eight goals and four assists in the Championship last season saw him catch the eye of newly-promoted Premier League outfit Luton Town, leaving the club with the task of replacing their top scorer.
In terms of incomings, no less than ten players have made the move to the ASSEAL New York Stadium this summer, with the most notable being a seven figure move for striker Sam Nombe from Exeter City.
Championship experience has been added with the signs of Cafú and Grant Hall from Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough respectively, while the familiar face of former City goalkeeper Dillon Phillips also joined the Millers.
The Millers also added midfielders Andre Green and Christ Tiehi on permanent deals, while Fred Onyedinma, Arvin Appiah, Sebastian Revan and Dexter Lembikisa have joined on loan.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | SEASON SO FAR
Despite their busy summer of additions, it’s been a disappointing start to the campaign for the Millers, who have struggled to recover from a heavy 4-1 defeat to Stoke City on the opening day.
Whilst the side have succumbed to five defeats in their opening eight matches, they have also highlighted the notorious unpredictability of the Championship by beating Norwich City and earning a draw against Blackburn Rovers.
Boss Taylor will also take encouragement from their last result, as they earned a point against high-flying Preston North End.
CLUB CONNECTION | LEE PELTIER
Saturday’s clash could see the Bluebirds face former City full-back Lee Peltier.
Having moved to the Welsh capital in 2015, Peltier quickly became a popular figure with the fanbase, proving to be a shrewd acquisition in replacing John Brayford, who signed for Sheffield United.
The right-back was an integral part of the side that secured promotion to the Premier League in the 2017/18 season.
Going on to make 159 league appearances for the Club, Pelter has since represented West Bromwich Albion and Middlesbrough, prior to joining Rotherham United in July 2022.
