Alex Bruce speaks in his first interview on being appointed as new Rotherham head coach

Alex Bruce speaks in his first interview on being appointed as new Rotherham head coach, and fair to say there’s a lot of work to be done.

He has agreed a two-year deal at the Millers, with Steve Agnew to become his assistant, having previously assisted Alex’s father, Steve Bruce, at Blackpool.

Rotherham are back in League Two for the first time since the 2012-13 season, preparations haven’t gone well, Mat Sadler turned down the chance to become their new boss after holding talks.

They missed out on Ian Burchnall who reportedly turned down a deal to join, and Lee Clark, who was appointed manager of Rotherham until the end of the 2025–26 season, failed to agree a new deal.

A statement on the club website read: “Rotherham United are delighted to confirm the appointment of Alex Bruce as the club’s new first team Head Coach on a deal that runs until 2028.

“The Millers finalised paperwork to bring the 41-year-old to AESSEAL New York Stadium on Monday evening after he was on-hand at Roundwood Sports Complex to oversee the first team’s return to pre-season training this morning.

“Bruce can call upon a network of contacts accumulated throughout a decorated career in football, the playing element of which spanned across 18 years as a professional and included stints in the Premier League with the likes of Birmingham and Hull City.

“Since moving into coaching circles, he has garnered invaluable experience in roles with West Bromwich Albion, Macclesfield Town and Salford City and joins the Millers under the stewardship of Head of Football Steve McClaren looking to take the next steps on that journey.

“The Norwich-born operator’s CV shows recent knowledge of Sky Bet League Two level at which he worked during his time at the Peninsula Stadium as first team coach.

“Further details on the finalisation of the remainder of Alex’s coaching staff will be communicated in due course.

“Everyone at Rotherham United would like to welcome formally welcome Alex to the club and wish him all the best in his new role with us.”

Interviewer: Well, Alex, welcome to Rotherham United. First and foremost, how excited are you to be sat in the chair and the new head coach of this football club?

Alex: First of all, it’s a privilege to be here. I’m really excited about the the challenge that lies ahead, it’s all happened very quickly. Spoke to Steve last week, talks went really well. It was very clear to see what his vision was for the club, after speaking to the owner, it was clear to see what his ambitions and vision is as well. So uh I just hope to I hope that I’m going to be the man to deliver success and and try and get this club back up and running again.

Interviewer: Of course, the club’s been without a head coach for a little period of time now since we established the new model with Steve McLaren as head of football. What was it that you perhaps felt you could bring to this role that perhaps others can’t?

Alex: Well, I felt as if when the opportunity came to come and be head coach at a club, it needed to be the right one. And I feel as if this place is definitely that. It’s had a tough couple of years. We all know that. And from a personal point of view, I felt as if it was the right challenge, the right project. And I’ve always said when I go into a club as my first managerial job, I want someone alongside me with a a bit of experience and a bit of football knowhow who I can lean on a little bit. And in Steve, I’ve definitely got that. He’s managed at the highest level. He’s coached at the highest level. So that was the initial attraction and then when I come to the stadium and I see the the infrastructure of the place, where it’s been in the in the past years, the success it’s had I just feel as if it shouldn’t be in League Two. I think we all know that from supporters to the board to to Steve and and the staff. My job now is to build a connection and try and get everyone together again and pulling in the right direction, build a team that this area of South Yorkshire can can relate to. That’s with hard work, endeavour, giving their all and I’m sure if the supporters see the effort being put in as a minimum, then the club can move forward again in the right direction.

Interviewer: You know the league really well. You’re pretty off with the area as well. And as you said, you said a few of the buzzwords there that will really resonate with supporters, hard work and industry. Is that how you’ve seen Rotherham United over the years from afar?

Alex: Yeah, absolutely. I mean, I’ve played against them a couple of times when I was a player and I want to try and build a place where teams come here and and fear coming because it’s a tough place to come. It’s important that we get that that we build that and that’s going to be my first priority. Building a team, as I say, I’ve got a relatively blank canvas to build a team that mirrors me, mirrors my staff, mirrors the vision of the club, but talk’s cheap. I want to try and deliver it and we’re going to have to be patient. We need to pick the right individuals who can go and deliver that.

 

Interviewer: Was that a big draw as well? You said you want it to be the right opportunity for you and there’s a real chance to put your own imprint on what Rotherham United would look like coming forward. Was the fact there’s quite such a turnover of players a draw for the role?

Alex: Yes, obviously when you go into a club that hasn’t got a lot of players and the decks are relatively cleared, the job’s a little bit easier, but it’s about highlighting those right players, right characters, which is big. We had a lot of injuries last season, so it’s important that we find the players who can be robust, play Saturday, Tuesday, cope with the demands of League 2. Um, there’s a lot of games and it’s about finding those individuals.

Interviewer: Now, we spoke about Steve McLaren off camera, just briefly before we got started, what did he have to say to you about the club? Did it take much selling? You mentioned that you felt this was right for you. What were those conversations like?

Alex: It didn’t need selling. I have to say it’s uh it’s a big club. It’s a really big club for League Two. We all know that. And the expectation will be there and rightly so, but when I spoke to Steve, it was just nice to speak to a football in person. When you come for an interview, you always think what’s it going to be like? What’s he going to ask? and we just spoke football and the basics of what’s required, the standards, the professionalism, the discipline, all these things need to be instilled and and working together, pulling in the right direction. I hope we can do that.

Interviewer: And you’ve been at big clubs in the in the past as both a player and a coach. You’ve worked in similar models where there’s a sporting director or a head of football. In terms of how you fit into that, does that make the transition a little bit easier? Steve’s spoken about how he’s trying to rebuild the football club, but he wants you to be the one that can enact that on the pitch.

Alex: Well, I need to drive it. I need to drive it every day. If there’s one thing that I will demand, I was never the most technically gifted player, but the one thing that I always did or tried to do was give 100% and that’s what I will demand, and that should be a minimum requirement whatever level you play at, speaking to Steve, his vision was there. He is rebuilding the club and and I hope he’s picked the right man to try and lead the club forward.

Interviewer: He’s labeled you as ambitious and with a real drive to be successful and touched on your credentials as a player. How you really maximised what you’ve got and expects you to do the same as a manager. Probably an easy one to answer, but is that kind of where you’re looking to go with this?

Alex: Absolutely. I’ll always give 110% and I will do here as well. AndI’ll be giving it my all to be successful. It’s a fantastic opportunity for me. I intend on grabbing it with both hands. Of course, there’s going to be question marks. How’s he going to cope? It’s his first real proper job in in the Football League, but everybody needs a first opportunity in life. And uh I’m looking forward to it immensely.

Interviewer: We had a chat a couple of minutes ago that you come across Paul Warne coaching career as well. Of course, he had fantastic success here and Rotherham fans quite often like to know about the person they’re getting behind the coach or the manager. Could you shed a bit more light on who you are off the pitch?

Alex:I did my badges with Warney, my coaching badges, and um his enthusiasm rubs off as soon as you meet him. I’ve spoke to him a couple of job I’ve spoke to him a couple of times about this job. He’s been a he’s been a big help. Someone who I’ve picked his brains and I’m sure I we’ll have a couple of conversations with him. He’s done very well. Obviously, at MK last year, they’ve gone and galvanised themselves and got out of league too. So, that’s something that we need to try and to try and copy, and as I say, if we do the basics right and get this team up and running like I intend to, build a connection with the supporters again where they’re right behind us where we can make it difficult for the opposition coming here like I know it can be make this place bounce and uh and that’s what I want.

Interviewer: We’ve touched on the fact there’s a fair bit of recruiting to do. You’ve been in meetings with Steve and Rob for a lot of the day today, how quickly can we expect that kind of wheel start turning now?

Alex: We’ve got a couple of irons in the fire, but like I said, like I touched on there, I don’t want to be one who just goes and buys players willy-nilly. I think it’s important that we’re a little bit patient and we pick the right ones, not just players, characters, fitness levels, people who are robust, who we know can handle the league, play week in week out. We need to get away from these injuries and being hampered by injuries where it affects the team. So, picking the right individuals is going to be key, and as I say, I’m not just going to jump in and and sign anyone for signing people’s sake.

Interviewer: We’ve put a few communications out to supporters prior to your arrival saying that the recruitment table is turning and there are targets lined up. Are you able to attest to that? Rob Scott been able to put players to you since you walked through the…

Alex: Yeah, we’re all we’re all on the phone constantly. We’re we’re having individuals thrown at us left, right, and centre. And as I say, it’s about picking those right individuals. There’s a few things that could potentially happen over the next few days, and as I say, my my job now is to make sure we’ve got the best team available to represent Rotherham come Cheltenham away, first game of the season. And when they step on that pitch, I want the Rotherham supporters to think by God, they have a go and they’re what Rotherham should be all about and and that’s my job to do.

Interviewer: So, another aspect of the Rotherham United way has been thrust into the fire, so to speak. You’ve been straight up to the training ground today. You’ve got the track suit on. What’s it been like with the lads? Is it an exciting time for you to be out on the grass?

Alex: It is. That’s the best part of being a coach when you’re on the grass. It’s the first two days of testing. So, it’s a case of making sure no one’s had too good of a summer. Laying a few ground rules and yeah as I say, this first week’s going to be important in terms of getting the first week of preseason out the way, setting the tone of of of how we wish to move forward.

Interviewer: In terms of this week, as you say, mainly testing and fitness. So, not too imperative that you’ve got a full squad together, but as you say, in an ideal world, you’d like that to come together sooner rather than later.

Alex: Yeah, we’ve got a small squad, really small. I think eight, nine players were with us this morning, it’s a case of adding to that group and as I keep saying, picking the right individuals to come in, lift the place, and I’m sure when we sign the right targets, that that’s what naturally will happen.

Interviewer: It all becomes a bit more real now, doesn’t it? The kits come out, the friendly fixtures are announced, but the actual league fixtures and the Carabao Cup fixes of course came out last week. It’s a real target to work. So, we know there’s a lot of work to be done, but you’ve got that time frame and and you’ll be confident you can get it.

Alex: Yeah. Ultimately, we want to get a team together as quickly as possibly as we possibly can. But the main focus is to make sure we’re ready for that first game of the season. That’s the priority, the cup competitions will be a great occasion taking West Brom on here, giving them a good go. But my main focus is to to get us ready for the first start of the bread and butter which is the league and and when we can do that and hopefully build a team to to really meet the challenge head on.

Interviewer: I’m sure fans will take plenty away from what you’ve said already, but if you were to give a parting message at the end this interview for them, what would you have to say?

Alex: It’s quite simple really. I know you have had a tough time, looking from the outside, it’s been a tough couple of years for everybody involved with Rotherham. My job now is to try and grab the bull by the horns and give this place a team that they can be proud of. That’s one that works hard, full of effort, full of endeavour, represent, as I keep saying, South Yorkshire in the right way, which I think is all those things that I’ve just spoke about. And that’s when you get them things right and in place, then we start adding the other little bits and pieces with the tactics and the way we want to play. But first and foremost, I expect blood and thunder and that’s the minimum requirement.

Here’s how fans reacted after Alex Bruce speaks in his first interview on being appointed as new Rotherham head coach…

@AlastairrrDay: Hopefully with a young coach and the experience McLaren will bring they can work well together. Bringing an end to a shite year. Get behind him & the boys 🔴⚪️⚽️ #rufc

@RUFC_1884: Maybe, just maybe, some will now let them just get on with it. 👍🏼

@ac_cloud: Time to put what’s happened behind us now and get behind the team! Enough negativity

@fut_trader_D: Respect anyone who takes this job. Got to back him now and let him do his best, he’s a month or two behind most clubs so he gets the benefit of doubt for a while in my opinion. Best of luck, Bruce 👍

@miller83862: Bruce speaks well. Fully behind him. I’ll give it 6 weeks before the cult start hounding him out because he’s not Warne or Hamshaw. #rufc

@The_RUFC: A new manager and about 15 new signings to be made by the end of the window. Dopamine levels are going to reach record highs. More punters boarding HMS Piss The League than ever before. #RUFC

@LewisOldham99: Thank Christ this is finally sorted. Let’s all get behind Alex Bruce. The problems at #RUFC go far above him & all fans know what he is up against with this ownership. Credit to him for taking the job on & here’s hoping the summer takes shape now after an active couple of days.

@alwrufc: Happy with this, took its time but we now has someone to move us forward and if Agnew joins him as expected then that’s something we didn’t have with Hamshaw #rufc

@mylesfward: First ever head coach appointment, welcome to the Millers family. Hopefully learnt some tricks from his dad. Was involved in the play offs last season with Salford, give him a chance and we’ll get back to the good times back again. UTM!! #rufc

@CraigGoater87: It’s Brucie bonus then, spoke well and came across well, clean slate so lets back him and trust McLaren’s process #rufc