Rotherham United v Cardiff City: Evans hopes Revell gets warm Millers reception

Revell was a popular figure in his three-and-a-half years at Rotherham United, as much for his work-rate and dedication as anything else. Two goals in the League One play-off final with Leyton Orient last May not only cemented his reputation but alerted bigger clubs.

In January, the 31-year-old signed a lucrative deal at former Premier League team Cardiff City, but has failed to make an impact with the Millers’ Championship rivals.

Revell has scored just one goal in 10 appearances, six of which have come from the bench.

For former boss Steve Evans, given the calibre of the players in front of him, that was always going to be a problem.

“Nothing surprises you in football. I said to Alex when he went to Cardiff: ‘The biggest challenge you will have will be to get into their team’,” said Evans.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for Kenwyne Jones in front of him. I think he’ll probably finish the season on around 20 goals.

“He’s a similar type of player to Alex, so that was always the danger.

“Alex Revell needs to be playing football. He used to almost cry in my office if he didn’t have a training session or if he was injured.

“It means so much to the big man. I love him. But I can’t pick the Cardiff team.”

On the reasons for selling Revell, Evans admitted: “We have to move on, don’t we? The club has a business side as well as a football side on the pitch. The business side was to sell Alex.

“It wasn’t a football decision. It’s also a business decision for Alex, when he sits there and sees the difference it makes to his life with the offer he had from Cardiff.

“We look forward to seeing him. We’ll shake his hand before, and I want him to get the best reception anyone can get coming back here, but after that, we’ll park that emotion.”

Last six games: Rotherham WLDLLW; Cardiff DDDDWL.

Referee: J Adcock (Nottinghamshire).

Last time: Rotherham 2 Cardiff 2; November 6, 2004; Championship.