Rotherham United lost their battle for Championship survival last season, with Paul Warne’s side lasting just the single year back in the second-tier of English football.

Warne’s side finished 22^nd in the table, four points adrift of Millwall and safety. They weren’t the worst team in the league – with Bolton and Ipswich below them – but only eight wins and 83 goals conceded wasn’t good enough.

That defensive record was the worst in the Championship, yet one of Warne’s defenders was quickly snapped up by one of the division’s top clubs.

Semi Ajayi joined West Bromwich Albion in the summer, with the 26-year-old’s reputation growing after a fine year in the Championship, despite the struggles Rotherham had.

Capable at both centre-back and in midfield, Ajayi scored an impressive seven goals in 46 appearances, whilst also adding one assist.

That form, despite Rotherham’s relegation, encouraged West Brom to make their move for Ajayi, and he’s made an impressive start at the Hawthorns.

So far this season, the 26-year-old has featured in every Championship fixture (16) and has scored two goals, managing to continue his impressive form in-front of goal for a second successive campaign.

He’s playing at centre-back under Slaven Bilic, forming a strong understanding with Kyle Bartley in the process, which has helped lead the Baggies to the top of the Championship table.

Ajayi has only suffered one league defeat with the Baggies, which came on the road at Leeds United – arguably Bilic’s side's biggest test of the season so far.

The fact that between Ajayi and Bartley, they are keeping Ahmed Hegazi out of the side still, only highlights how impressive the former has been since making the move away from Rotherham.

Whilst a player like Romaine Sawyers is receiving so many plaudits for his transition into the West Brom side, Ajayi can be seen as falling under the radar.

However, going about his business quietly is no bad thing, and after the disappointment of his efforts not preventing Rotherham’s relegation last season, Ajayi will be hoping this year has a happier ending.