Meet the opposition | Rotherham United
Swansea City return to Championship action when they host Rotherham United at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday. Here, we take a closer look at the Millers.
What's their story?
Rotherham are back in the Championship this season after sealing promotion from League One last term.
The Millers have flitted back and fore between the two divisions in recent seasons, and will be looking to firmly establish themselves in the second tier.
The South Yorkshire club have never seen top-flight football in their history, but were beaten League Cup finalists in 1961 as they lost to Aston Villa.
How’s their form?
Rotherham had been on a difficult run of just one win since beating Wycombe on the opening day of the season, but they picked up a fine victory over Preston just before the international break.
A previous handsome victory over Sheffield Wednesday had been a timely boost, but that was followed by defeats against Stoke and Luton.
They are in the lower reaches of the table, but would be a lot higher had it not been for the late equalisers conceded against Birmingham and Huddersfield.
Who’s the boss?
After the departure of former Swans manager Kenny Jackett in November 2016, Warne was made the permanent appointment two months later following a spell as caretaker.
A former Rotherham player, Warne made over 250 appearances for the club between 1999-2005 before moving to Oldham in a playing career that also took in stints at Wigan, Mansfield, Kettering and Yeovil.
Rejoining Rotherham in 2009, he spent another three years there before retiring to join the coaching staff in 2012. He has guided them to two promotions as manager.
Who’s the captain?
Richard Wood. The defender has made five league appearances so far this season, and was on the scoresheet in that win over Preston last time out.
The 35-year-old came through the ranks at Sheffield Wednesday and broke into the first team at Hillsborough before subsequent moves to Coventry, Charlton and Rotherham.
He initially found it tough to break into the Millers’ team, having loan spells with Crawley, Fleetwood and Chesterfield before establishing himself.
Key men
Michael Ihiekwe has captained the team for much of the season, and is a formidable presence at set-pieces in either box.
Striker Jamie Lindsay and Newcastle product Dan Barlaser have netted two goals apiece, while former Swansea City midfielder Shaun MacDonald is also on the books of the South Yorkshire club, although he is currently sidelined by injury.
Keeper Jamal Blackman and forward Florian Jozefzoon have settled in well after joining on loan from Chelsea and Derby respectively, although Blackman has been another player to join Paul Warne's lengthy injury list.
