Alex Bruce ready for Rotherham United 'rollercoaster' - plus response to rookie claims
AS the son of a decorated footballer, Alex Bruce was well used to adversaries having extra motivation to try and get one up on him.
It happened throughout his playing days and he expects it to be no different in the world of management.
Given that this is Rotherham United's first season at fourth-tier level since 2012-13, the Millers recently-appointed head coach is also conscious of the fact that rival clubs will possess a further incentive in their quest to turn his side over.
As a League Two club with relatively recent history in the Championship, Rotherham are there to be shot at, to a degree.
For all their travails over the past few years, they will still be viewed as one of the bigger clubs operating at this level in the forthcoming campaign, which certainly will be far from a straightforward one.
In terms of Rotherham having a target on their backs, Bruce is phlegmatic.
Bruce, who was first-team coach at last season's beaten League Two play-off finalists Salford City, said: "There's always a reason why a team would want to (beat you).
"You always find a reason, whether it be a manager, a bit of history, whatever that might be.
"There's 'the class of 92' (thing) at Salford; there's always a reason so it's about coping with whatever challenge comes your way."
Bruce's own experience as a number one extends to a short spell in charge of Macclesfield in 2023-24, when the Silkmen were operating in the Northern Premier League - the seventh tier of English football.
He understands all the talk about his perceived lack of dug-out experience, more especially going into a job which would test the qualities of much more senior managers/head coaches.
His counter-argument is that everyone needs to be handed a break somewhere when they start out on the coaching ladder.
Bruce’s inexperience is also assuaged by the presence of a senior figure as head of football in Steve McClaren, 65, and a vastly expected and widely respected number two in Steve Agnew, not far behind at 60.
The appointment of Shipley-born Agnew, who worked alongside Bruce's father Steve at the likes of Hull City, Aston Villa and Newcastle United, looks to be a shrewd one.
Burce, who represented Hull, Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday in his playing days, continued: "The kind of person that I am, I've always wanted to have this challenge and wanted to get my first opportunity and my taste of it.
"It (football) is all I know, it's what I've been brought up for and I don't know anything else, so this (head coach) challenge is one that I'm looking forward to.
"I know there's the question marks of: 'it's his first job, how's he going to cope' and all the rest of it. But everyone needs an opportunity in life don't they? So let's hope I do okay.
"Of course there will be long nights over the course of the season and it's not going to be all plain sailing.
"As a player it's up and down, it's a rollercoaster. In management it's probably a bigger rollercoaster, but I'm looking forward to it."
Bruce takes charge of the Millers for the first time at the AESSEAL New York Stadium this afternoon when they welcome Sheffield United in a pre-season friendly (3pm kick-off).
Bruce’s side head to Darlington on Tuesday night and entertain Derby County in their final friendly on Tuesday, August 4.
They host West Brom in the first round of the EFL Cup on August 8.