Prized asset Sam Nombe could be on his way out of Rotherham United
NEW head coach Alex Bruce is bracing himself for the sale of star striker Sam Nombe as Rotherham United prepare for life in League Two following relegation last season.
The 41-year-old believes the Millers can prosper in the lower division but anticipates that the man who has topped the club's scoring charts for the last two years won't be among the players at his disposal.
Meeting the media this afternoon for the first time since his appointment earlier this week, Bruce said of the former Exeter City hot-shot: “If you want the truth, I expect him to move. He's a good player - I've seen that from the first few days of pre-season.”
Nombe became Rotherham's first seven-figure signing when he arrived from the Grecians during the managerial reign of Matt Taylor in 2023 and they will be seeking to recoup as much of that outlay as possible.
The forward has a year left on his contract so the Millers are in a strong bargaining position over someone who has attracted interest in the past from Championship and League One teams.
Rotherham would rather keep the player than see him depart on the cheap and Bruce said: “I say I expect him to move, but it has to be the right price. If it's not, he won't be sold. It's as simple as that.
A move may not be too far way, with the head coach adding: “If the interest is there and it's the right price, then we'll have to see what happens. We'll see what happens in the next couple of days.”
Nombed, aged 27, has bagged 31 goals in 124 appearances since his switch to South Yorkshire.
The Millers squad returned for pre-season training on Monday and is low on numbers after a summer of around 20 exits. Bruce reckons that situation will remedied in time as the club close in on targets.
“There are a few things that are bubbling,” he said. “I can't give you names, but there are few things bubbling. Things will happen, but it's about picking the right players. I don't want to just dive into the transfer market willy-nilly.
“I want to make sure we do our homework, do our due diligence on who are the right characters and who is going to help us. It might take a little bit of time. I really want to make sure that the individuals who come on board are the right ones.”
Attacker Fabio Tavares has already arrived at AESSEAL New York Stadium after parting company with Burton Albion. Midfielder Ossama Ashley, who has left Salford City, has been strongly linked to Rotherham, but that deal is now unlikely to happen as the Millers look elsewhere.
Meanwhile, former Barnsley player Steve Agnew, 60, who has extensive coaching experience and has worked in the Premier League, was today confirmed as assistant head coach.