Alex Bruce says Rotherham United need 'gritted teeth' to turn promise into points
Alex Bruce is looking for Rotherham United players who can “roll their sleeves up and crack on”, as he looks to build some overdue positive momentum at the New York Stadium.
The Millers have been in decline for the last three years, dropping from the Championship to League Two.
Turning that around was never going to happen instantly – not with a new coaching staff, head of football and revamped squad.
But one defeat in seven matches in all competitions – and more importantly for the coach, the performances behind them – are hinting at a corner turned. Now Bruce wants players out of their comfort zones to turn good periods of games into wins.
“We've had good periods in most of the games,” said Bruce, whose side host Crewe Alexandra on Saturday.
“I felt the second half on Tuesday (when they beat York City on penalties in the Football League Trophy) we were excellent. I thought the second half against Northampton we had total control. I felt as if for 60 minutes against Salford we had total control, should have won that game.
“I felt as if against Cheltenham at the start of the season we were the better team, didn't deserve to get beaten.
“So over the course of the season there have been very pleasing things for a new team and a new squad.
“Now it's seven games, losing one – that was my whole thought process the other night, keep the squad together, let the momentum build.
“To do that they need to play games and when you look at the top teams and the top players, they play Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday, 60, 65 games a season. Why can't we?” said Bruce, pictured.
Injuries have been a constant theme of the difficult years and the Millers have not broken the spell yet. Ewan Otoo and Fabio Taveres are out on Saturday and waiting to hear how bad their thigh and Achilles injuries respectively are.
The physical side is what Bruce thinks will allow his team to take the next step.
“I need to see hard work on the training pitch,” he said.
“I need to see players who are willing to go through the comfort zone, who play with a little bit of pain.
“It's about rolling your sleeves up and cracking on. That's the mentality and culture I want to try and create.
“It's certainly better than it was last season, that's for sure, from the stories that I've heard.
“But my demands on individuals won't change.”