THE number of Rotherham United first-team players who Alex Bruce will be busy getting to know at the club's Roundwood training headquarters this week is currently not an extensive one.

A 'really small' squad, in his words, of just eight or nine senior players were present for his first day in charge as head coach.

Understandably, the aim is to significantly replenish those numbers to make the Millers fit for purpose by the time they start their League Two season on August 15.

While the low numbers are a concern to supporters, Bruce is wise to the notion that it will at least provide scope to bring in the type of players - and characters - that he wants, rather than just inherits as he strives to build a team in his own image.

New Rotherham United head coach Alex Bruce. Picture courtesy of RUFC.

placeholder image — New Rotherham United head coach Alex Bruce. Picture courtesy of RUFC.

One key term he used several times in his opening interview was 'robust'.

Bruce, who worked as assistant head coach at Salford City for almost 18 months at fourth-tier level, said: "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 the right players and right characters, which is big.

"I think it's important that we're a little bit patient and we pick the right ones, not just players, but characters, fitness levels and people.

Bruce has signed a deal until the summer of 2028. Picture courtesy of RUFC.

"We had a lot of injuries last season, so it's important that we find the players who can be robust, play Saturday, Tuesday and cope with the demands of League Two."

Unlike his father Steve, who has managed over 1,000 games in professional football, Bruce junior, at 41, is just starting out. Equally, everyone needs a start somewhere.

Bruce, who had spells in his playing days at Leeds United, Hull City and - briefly - Sheffield Wednesday, added: "Of course, there's going to be question marks.

"'How's he going to cope?’ It's his first real proper job in the Football League, but everybody needs a first opportunity in life."

Bruce's life has always revolved around football.

Like his 'old man', his first gig as a number one arrives in Yorkshire. Bruce snr was slightly younger at 38 when he was handed the reins across the Tinsley Viaduct at Sheffield United in the late 90s.

While his father will be able to dispense with any sage advice if he is asked, the presence of Millers head of football in Steve McClaren is likely to be a further boon.

"It didn't need selling", Bruce continued.

"It's a really big club for League Two. We all know that and the expectation will be there and rightly so.

"When I spoke to Steve, it was just nice to speak to a footballing person. When you come for an interview, you always think, "What's it going to be like?" 'What's he going to ask?'

"We just spoke about football and the basics required: standards, professionalism, discipline.

"I need to drive it every day. I was never the most technically gifted player, but the one thing that I always did or tried to do was give 100 per cent and that's what I will demand."