Two-time Wigan Athletic old-boy becomes manager of Rotherham United

The 41-year-old - whose dad, Steve managed Latics twice - had previously been No.2 to Karl Robinson at Salford City.

But he has been earmarked as the man to stop the rot at the Millers, who were in the Championship as recently as 2023/24.

Bruce will work under Steve McClaren, the club's new head of football.

"It’s all happened very quickly," he said. "I spoke to Steve last week and it was clear to see what his vision was for the club.

"And, after speaking to the owner, it was also clear to see what his ambitions and vision is as well.

"I always felt that when the opportunity came to be a head coach, it had to be the right one, and I feel as if this place is definitely that.

"It’s had a tough couple of years and, from a personal point of view, I felt this was the right challenge, the right project, and I’m really excited about the challenge that lies ahead.

"When I came to the stadium and saw the infrastructure of the place and the success it has had I just feel that it shouldn’t be in League Two.

"This is a really big club for League Two, and the expectations will be there and rightly so.

"I’ve always said that, when I went into a club as my first managerial job, I want someone alongside me with a bit of experience and a bit of football know-how who I can lean on a little bit.

"In Steve, I’ve definitely got that. This is a fantastic opportunity for me and I intend on grabbing it with both hands.”

Bruce was one of the eight arrivals on an infamous transfer deadline day at Wigan in January 2017 under Warren Joyce.

After being freed that summer, he rejoined Latics almost immediately under Paul Cook, before leaving for Kilmarnock in January 2019.

Across both spells, he made 13 appearances and scored once – ironically, in a 3-1 win at Rotherham in November 2017.