5,000 Rotherham United season tickets and the fan from the Crown Inn
AN ENCOUNTER at a set of traffic lights underlined to Alex Bruce just how much football means to people in South Yorkshire.
Vehicles had stopped at red and a Rotherham United fan wanted to talk all things red and white.
The Millers' new head coach has been in his role only since late last month but has already taken the fervour of the region to his heart.
“I like proper footballing areas and round here is certainly is one of those,” he said. “You can feel that straight away.”
Bruce was talking after Friday night's win over Parkgate in the opening pre-season friendly and responding to a question about season-ticket sales hitting the 5,000 mark despite three preceding years of misery that culminated in relegation from League One in May.
“I saw the figure and it's phenomenal, especially after the recent tough times here” he said. “It's a testament to the area, I have to say. It just shows how passionate people are about the football club.
“I got stopped at the traffic lights the other day by a guy asking me to go for a pint with him in the Crown Inn at Greasbrough. He gave me a few home truths about what's been going on. I love that.”
With Rotherham now in a lower division, the number of season tickets is around 1,500 down on last season but still higher than many observers predicted.
Bruce's mission is restore the bond between players and fans which was loosened by last term's weak attempt to stay up.
“It's up to us to give supporters a team that reflects them,” he said. “We will be a team that rolls its sleeves up, has a go, has a fight.”
Meanwhile, will there be a date at the Crown Inn between the boss and the traffic-light fan?
“Count me in,” grinned Bruce. “I'll be there as long as he's buying!”