Why Rotherham United's recruitment shows that Alex Bruce has noted words of Lee Clark
IN his research ahead of being appointed as Rotherham United head coach in late June, Alex Bruce appears to have duly noted the words of his predecessor.
Lee Clark's time at the AESSEAL New York Stadium was brief. It will chiefly be remembered, with all due respect, for one thing, which had little to do with on-pitch results.
The north-easterner, who at 53 could be fairly described as a senior managerial figure, called out a number of unnamed players in a damning critique in the final weeks of his tenure, slamming their fitness, commitment levels and mental toughness.
A host of players left the club earlier in the close season—the inevitable consequence of nearly every relegation.
A core group remains and they will need to be energised by a better group of teammates in 2026-27, quite frankly.
While Bruce, in terms of results, is understandably aware of the need to stop the slide at a club who have endured three fraught seasons in a row, he is smart enough to know that changing the dressing-room culture is also paramount and comes first in many respects.
He doesn't just need good players, but good characters, going forward. Culture-carriers, in the words of Sheffield United chief Chris Wilder.
The Millers certainly have one in that regard in latest signing Tom Bradshaw, who scored two goals against the Millers during a loan spell at Barnsley last season - the Reds won 3-1 in Rotherham in April.
The 33-year-old, like his fellow striker and recent arrival in Paul Mullin, is a leader; a word that Bruce used following his arrival.
Bradshaw, a more nicer professional you couldn't wish to meet, is one who does it by deeds and not necessarily words.
A quiet sort of leader. The sort who sets the example on the training ground day after day and at this stage of his career, the one-time Wales international is aware that his role is two-fold. Do his job on the pitch and off it.
Bradshaw, who has signed a one-year deal with the club holding an option, said: "As you get older, expectations from other players and even possibly coaching staff are that they want you to share your experiences - if times are going good or bad.
"I think that's when the experienced players really step up, whether it's to guide the younger lads or just to set an example. That's what is expected from senior players and what I'll try and bring."
On the importance of Bradshaw, Bruce, speaking prior to official confirmation of his signing, commented: "To have a bit of know-how and a bit of experience at the top end of the pitch will be a lot for the group, in terms of having them two leading the line."
After a slow start in terms of signings, the Millers' recruitment programme has seen a spate of much-needed activity over the past week or so.
Bradshaw's arrival - on a free transfer following his departure from Oxford United at the end of last season - followed quickly on from the captures of former Dunfermline defensive duo Ewan Otoo and Kieran Ngwenya on two-year deals. The former had been on trial.
The Millers' latest acquisition has taken the number of window arrivals up to nine. By the time it slams shut on September 1, Bruce is hoping that it extends into healthy double-figure territory.
The likes of Bradshaw, Mullin, Otoo, Ngwenya, Jamie Jellis and Ossama Ashley should help provide the Millers with a spine in 26-27.
Speaking after his side's encouraging performance in their final pre-season friendly against Derby County on Tuesday night - which ended in a 1-1 draw - Bruce professed his satisfaction at 'the belly of the squad taking shape'. He still wants a fair bit more, mind.
Bruce's experiences of League Two at Salford last season in particular have also taught him that his squad will need to be adaptable for all weathers.
Above all else, in order to be successful in fourth-tier circles, the Millers chief knows full well that his squad will need to be a unit who have each other's backs - which hasn't been the case for the past few seasons.
Bruce, whose side host West Brom in the EFL Cup in his first competitive game in charge on Saturday, said: "My experience of League Two is that you must have a couple of different styles.
"You must have one for when the yellow ball comes out (in winter) and are able to cope with the demands of that, I've learned that very quickly over the last couple of years at Salford.
"These are all little things where you have to get the blend right and that's what we're looking for, to find the right characters who can do that.
"League Two is up and at you and you have to meet the fight and challenge. All these things are all cliches, but you have to find the right characters and the right personnel to go and meet that challenge and that's what we intend on doing."