New Rotherham United centre-forward Sam Nombe scores with his opening message to fans

We're not talking about Sam Nombe's late cameo as Matt Taylor's men proved too good for high-flying Championship visitors Norwich City in the final match before the international break.

The hot-shot's ‘debut’ in a red-and-white shirt had come two days before that superb victory when he spoke publicly about becoming the club's record signing.

“I create a lot of opportunities, I create a lot of disruption,” he declared. “I like to get the crowd pumping and show them how much passion and intensity I bring to a game.

“That gives the players around me a better feel and adds to the atmosphere. I love scoring goals but I can also provide for others.”

Not bad for starters. Rotherham fans excited about the Millers spending a seven-figure sum on a player will love a message like that.

Manager Matt Taylor knows exactly what he's getting from a 24-year-old desperate to unleash his powers on the second tier after causing plenty of damage in Leagues One and Two.

The boss, who took the AESSEAL New York Stadium hot-seat 11 months ago, is the man who took Nombe to Exeter City in 2021 after spotting his potential as a raw youngster with MK Dons.

Taylor's backroom team, assistant manager Wayne Carlisle and coaches Dan Green and Scott Brown, were also at St James Park at the same time as the centre-forward.

“Matty was a big factor in me coming here,” said Nombe as he surveyed his surroundings at New York. “He was the person who brought me in at Exeter and showed so much belief in me.

“It was good there. I'm happy to be with him and all the staff again to carry on improving myself and pushing the team. It already has that 'home' feeling to it.

“I had a great relationship with them and was confident when I was playing for them. That's what I want to happen here. In football, you need to have people who have faith in you.”

An 11-game loan spell in the second tier with Luton Town when he was still at MK didn't work out but two successful seasons since then with the Grecians have made him better prepared for another tilt.

“I'm trying to come back, prove myself and become established in this division,” he said. “The players have been very welcoming. I can't wait to build relationships so we can perform together on the pitch.

“The main aim for me is to help us retain our Championship status. That's what I'm here for. I'm ready for it.”

An injury-affected first season with Exeter, in League Two, brought ten goals in 32 outings and promotion. Last term, his tally was 17 in 47.

Nombe has a knack in front of goal and a knack for saying the right thing.

“It's an exciting challenge to take on and I can't wait to get going,” he said. “I'll give 100 per cent to working hard and keeping improving and impressing. I want to prove to the manager and the staff that they were right to bring me here.”

Target hit once more by the new boy.