Rotherham United head coach Alex Bruce is facing a welcome selection headache as injured midfielders Kian Spence and Jamie Jellis close in on returns. Their imminent availability will intensify competition for places in a squad that has undergone a major rebuild following relegation to League Two. The team's current standings show them in 16th place with six points, and they will be looking to use their full squad to climb the table.
Spence and Jellis were the first-choice picks at the start of the campaign but have been sidelined with calf problems. Bruce indicated that Spence could be fit enough to make the matchday squad for the trip to Northampton Town this weekend, with Jellis not far behind in his recovery. That next fixtures test comes against a side just one place below them in the league.
With the duo out, others have seized their opportunity. In last Saturday's dramatic 3-3 home draw with Salford City, the midfield three consisted of Brandon Cover, Ossama Ashley, and Josh Austerfield. Austerfield, a late-window signing, has started every match since his arrival at AESSEAL New York Stadium. Ashley, a former Salford player, scored the Millers' third goal in that six-goal thriller.
Bruce now has a wealth of options, with Jayce Fitzgerald and versatile player Ewan Otoo also competing for roles. "When everyone's fit, I've got options," Bruce said. "It's going to be a headache picking the right team."
The head coach's philosophy for handling the increased competition is straightforward. He wants players to grasp their chance and hold onto their place through performance.
"The message is pretty simple: 'If you're playing well, and you're winning games, you normally keep the shirt,'" Bruce stated. This approach reflects a summer of significant change at the club, which saw 16 new signings as the budget was trimmed in response to the slide from the Championship to the fourth tier.
Bruce, appointed in late June, is overseeing this new-look, improving team. After three difficult years, supporters are beginning to warm to the performances and a connection is developing between the fans and the players on the field.
Rotherham's recent stats show a team finding its feet, with the side losing just once in their last five outings. The increased midfield options provide Bruce with the tools to build on that run of form as they prepare for their next challenge away at Northampton Town.
Background and full detail: Rotherham Advertiser
