He made his return to the team ahead of schedule after three weeks when he played 66 minutes during a 2–2 draw with Reading before being replaced by Eddie Johnson. After returning to match fitness, Bothroyd found the net three times in six matches during December, scoring against Burnley, Ipswich Town and Plymouth Argyle, a record which saw him finish as runner-up behind Reading's Stephen Hunt in the Championship player of the month award. Bothroyd finished the season with 12 goals, but could not prevent Cardiff from slipping out of the playoffs.