Alex Bruce responds to 5,000 season-ticket sales and a bumper Rotherham United away following on opening day

"I'm not trying to blow smoke up their backsides, I'm just stating facts."

Alex Bruce was responding to the news that Rotherham United fans have virtually sold out the away end at Cheltenham Town for tomorrow's League Two opening-day clash.

The head coach - born in Norwich, based in Cheshire - has been mightily impressed by the passion of the club's supporters since his arrival in late June.

This weekend will give the first true indication of whether he's building a squad that can flourish in the fourth tier, and he's amazed by the size of the following heading south to cheer on his men.

"It's fantastic," he said. "Throughout my career, I've come to this part of the world where they just love their football, don't they? They get to a Saturday afternoon and they want to watch their team play in the right way."

The purchase of more than 5,000 season tickets is another huge show of faith from fans who have endured three consecutive miserable campaigns during the slide from the Championship to the basement division.

"I'd like to think I'm on the same page as them," Bruce said. "When you hear that they've filled allocations and have bought as many season tickets as they have , especially after the last few  of years, it's amazing.

"It's an incredible thing that they've done.  I just hope we can give them a team to be proud of and one that represents them properly."

The Millers will be backed at the EV Charger Points Stadium by close to 1,000 supporters hoping to see their side kick off 2026/27 with a positive result.

Bruce believes Rotherham can prosper this term and is aiming for the top section of the table.

"You have to," he said. "I always set the bar high. Even if we didn't have enough players or had players surplus to requirements, I would always set the bar high. We've built a decent squad. It needs work. It's a brand-new team. But the belly of the squad ... it's there for everyone to see that it's taking shape.

"We need a couple more players . Hopefully we can get that done. But I am very confident that, with everyone pulling together, we can give this place a team.

The 41-year-old had a career of more than 350 matches as a centre-half before moving into coaching with West Bromwich Albion and then Salford City, with whom he reached last season's League Two play-off final.

Now, he's the main man for the first time and can't wait to get started.

"It feels like Christmas Eve," he said. "I've been around as a player for a long time and I've done the hard yards coaching. To get this opportunity now to take my team, my players, into a Football League season is one that I'm really looking forward to. I just hope that I can give the club a team to be proud of."

Cheltenham today signed veteran attacker Andreas Weimann who had been a free agent after parting company with Derby County.

The 35-year-old Austrian has played in the Premier League and his previous clubs include Aston Villa, Bristol City and Blackburn Rovers.