Will Alex Bruce be given the Sam Nombe money to spend on new players? Here's what the Rotherham United head coach had to say
ALEX Bruce has pledged to be a 'pain in the arse' as he bids to add as much of the Sam Nombe sale proceeds as possible to his Rotherham United recruitment mission.
The Millers, who are in urgent need of more bodies as the start of their League Two approaches, this week sanctioned their star striker's move to MK Dons.
Bruce has targets in mind and is hoping the club's hierarchy will release funds for him to spend.
"I know that's the million-dollar question," the head coach said after today's 2-0 friendly loss to Sheffield United at AESSEAL New York Stadium. "Everyone keeps asking that. And the God's honest truth is, I don't know. I want as much of it as I can.
"That's not my domain. It's not my football club and it's not my money. So, whatever we get, we know what we've got to work with. And when we do, we'll have a look at what business we can do."
When asked if he had made representations 'upstairs' about using the Nombe situation to drive the arrival of new faces, he replied: "Listen, the kind of guy that I am, I'll be an utter pain in the arse. I want as much of it as I can. That would be lovely. Every manager would tell you the same thing.
"I'd want that - and I'd want more because I want to improve and get this place up and running and how it should be.
"However, you have to respect the owner and the powers that be. There are budgets, there are things in place. When the powers that be go through it and they come to a conclusion, then I'm sure they will let me know and then we'll take it from there."
The Millers, relegated twice in the last three seasons, have only around a dozen senior professional on their books following a summer of exits and fresh blood is essential.
"No, it's not the ideal place to be in," Bruce acknowledged. "I think most people will agree with me when I say that. But that's where we are at.
"It's had a tough two or three years, this place. Yes, we've only got 12 senior players. We need bodies to come in. But it's about highlighting the right ones. That's what I've always said."