Rotherham United 2 Cardiff 1 - Perfect day for Millers boss Paul Warne after double signing swoop

Paul Warne’s charges turned over Cardiff City 2-1 under the lights at the AESSEAL New York Stadium.

It was the perfect day for Warne, who masterminded victory over former Millers boss Neil Warnock after completing two loan captures before the game.

The Millers swooped to sign both Marek Rodak and Sean Raggett on season-long loan deals, with both players coming off the bench against the Bluebirds.

A Rodak return had been high on Warne’s wishlist after the Slovakian stopper’s successful stint at the club last term.

The Rodak saga had gone on all summer, with Warne initially wanting the keeper to return to the ranks before the club’s pre-season tour to Austria.

However, with Fulham selling David Button to Brighton the Millers had to wait for the Premier League club to bring in a replacement.

Defender Raggett joined from Championship rivals Norwich City as another option in central defence. The 24-year-old played twice in the second tier last term before joining Lincoln City on loan.

Yesterday’s business brought Warne’s summer additions to six with Rodak and Raggett joining Clark Robertson, Kyle Vassell, Zak Vyner and Billy Jones at the club.

And Warne is still hopeful he can orchestrate a return for Richie Towell, initially on loan with a view to a permanent deal.

Towell was a pivotal cog in last season’s promotion-winning campaign and would be welcomed back with open arms in the Millers dressing room.

Meanwhile, former Millers’ boss Warnock and coaching staff Kevin Blackwell and Ronnie Jepson were treated to a warm welcome when their names were announced on the tannoy.

And it was Warnock who had the first laugh as his side took the lead after just 13 minutes.

January signings Josh Murphy and Greg Cunningham linked up for the opener as the former diverted Cunningham’s cross from the left-hand side past Lewis Price.

The Millers levelled after 31 minutes after a well-worked move.

Michael Smith found Jon Taylor out wide, who put the ball in the box for Matty Palmer to powerfully head home the equaliser.

And Smith scored the winner with 12 minutes left with a lovely curling finish evading Alex Smithies in the visitors’ net.

The Millers will be vying to complete their pre-season unbeaten at Mansfield Town on Saturday.

Millers: Price (Rodak, 45), Vyner (Robertson, 45), Ajayi (Raggett, 63), Wood (Jones, 45), Mattock (Forde, 63), Taylor (Purrington, 63), Vaulks, Palmer (Ihiekwe, 79), Williams (Newell, 45), Ball (Vassell, 63), Smith (Wiles, 79).