Rotherham United's transfer deadline day strategy saw a significant shift as the club opted against signing a winger to instead strengthen other positions. Head coach Alex Bruce explained the decision to the Rotherham Advertiser, revealing that opportunities elsewhere prompted a change of plan.
Bruce had long wanted to add a wide player to his League Two squad, but two factors altered the approach as last Tuesday's 11pm deadline neared. Firstly, no available target perfectly fit the club's requirements on the flank. More importantly, chances to improve other areas of the team opened up. "It was a little bit of both," Bruce said. "Every coach, every manager that you speak to will say 'I wanted this, I wanted that, I wanted to improve certain areas'."
Which players did Rotherham United sign instead?
Acting on the new opportunities, Rotherham completed four signings in the final days of the window. Midfielders Josh Austerfield and Jayce Fitzgerald arrived first, followed by forward pair George Sebine and Klaidi Lolos right on the deadline. All four new recruits were in contention for selection in Saturday's away match against league leaders Bristol Rovers. The club's summer business now totals 15 new signings as Bruce continues a major squad rebuild.
Bruce was clear about the rationale behind the late flurry of activity. "Yes, we wanted to strengthen in certain areas, but when players became available in other positions who were going to add quality and bring something to the squad, it was a case of acting on those," he told the Rotherham Advertiser. The head coach is pleased with the progress of his rebuilding mission and praised the adaptability of his squad.
What is Rotherham United's current squad status?
With the window closed, attention turns to the free-agent market. Bruce was non-committal about further additions when asked on Thursday. "Possibly, but I doubt it at the moment. You'll just have to watch this space," he stated. However, assistant manager Steve McClaren confirmed the club is "absolutely" still assessing options. One player currently training with the Millers at Roundwood is former Sheffield Wednesday centre-half Dominic Iorfa, who left Hillsborough in May after seven seasons.
There has also been an outgoing. Dutch attacker Ar'Jany Martha departed AESSEAL New York Stadium on Wednesday to join Eredivisie side Telstar on a season-long loan. Martha, who has two years left on his Rotherham contract, had not started a match this term and Telstar hold an option to buy. Bruce explained the move, saying, "He's going back home to Holland. It's where he's from, and sometimes you've got to take that into consideration as well."
How does this affect Rotherham United's league campaign?
The refreshed squad faces an immediate test in the league. Rotherham currently sit 18th in League Two with 5 points from five games, having scored 6 goals and conceded 7. They are seven points behind Saturday's opponents, Bristol Rovers, who lead the table. Bruce's side are unbeaten in their last three matches, a run that has seen fans warm to the character shown on the pitch. "I've got an honest group," Bruce said. "They've been pretty adaptable to everything that we've asked of them."
After the trip to Bristol Rovers, the focus turns to the next home fixture. Rotherham host Salford City, who are 15th, on September 12. You can view the full schedule on the club's fixtures page and check the latest standings. The Millers will hope their new signings can help close the gap at the top as they look to build on their recent improved form.
