Five-star Cardiff maul Millers
CARDIFF boss Neil Warnock is showing rock-bottom Rotherham just what they are missing.
Warnock’s Bluebirds thrashed a hapless Rotherham side who are now 15 points from safety.
Warnock took the Millers on an 11-game unbeaten run which saved them from the drop last season. But he left at the end of the campaign, citing a need for stability at the club.
Goals from Kadeem Harris, Junior Hoilett, Craig Noone and a Kenneth Zohore brace gave the Bluebirds their biggest win since a 6-0 victory over Bristol City in 2010.
But Warnock could not enjoy his team’s third successive win as it was against the club where he worked wonders less than a year ago.
“I didn’t feel good about the game with it being my old club and the situation they’re in,” said Warnock. “I’d rather be playing Newcastle and Brighton and teams like that because you can’t really win.
“I asked the lads to be professional and I was glad we scored the second goal just before halftime and even more happy to see the third one go in because I knew that was the killer.
“It’s difficult for Rotherham. They’re decimated with injuries, they’ve got two lads on loan from us [Semi Ajayi and Tom Adeyemi] who can’t play, and a few more problems.
“I know how difficult it is. While it’s a great win, I don’t take any satisfaction at all from seeing the position they’re in. I wish Rotherham well.”
The Millers failed to deal with Aron Gunnarsson’s long throw and the ball fell to Harris who curled his effort past Richard O’Donnell in the 11th minute.
And when Hoilett doubled their lead thanks to a disastrous back pass from Ben Purrington, the game was all but over.
Warnock’s men added a third goal in the 49th minute after Noone volleyed home Harris’s looping cross.
Zohore got in on the act with a second-half double to compound Rotherham’s misery.
But one negative note for high-flying Cardiff was the serious-looking injury to Rhys Healey.
The 22-year-old needed to be carried off on a stretcher just before the break.
“Rhys Healey’s injury soured everything really,” added Warnock.
“We think he’s done both his ligaments, which would be a major blow for him.
“To miss out on a nothing injury – it’s a crying shame for the young lad.”
Rotherham interim manager Paul Warne slammed his team’s “embarrassing” display in Wales.
The Millers have not won away from home since last April and relegation to League One looks increasingly likely.
“We knew what Neil Warnock’s Cardiff were all about with their corners and long throws,” said Warne.
“I was hoping my players would be man enough to defend them.
“Coming into this game, with the players we had missing, I was more hopeful rather than expectant of a result. But to get drummed like that was embarrassing for the club. The fans don’t deserve that and I played a part in it, so I apologise.
“Realistically we know where we are.
“But it’s my job to prepare the team and hopefully give the fans something to be proud of.”