Former Ipswich Town defender Alex Bruce has been appointed the new head coach of Rotherham United. The 41-year-old takes over the Millers, who have suffered relegation from the Championship to League Two in the past three seasons.

What happened?

Bruce left his job as assistant manager at Salford City earlier this month, but now lands his first managerial position in full-time football.

Why it matters for Ipswich Town

He has become the South Yorkshire side's sixth manager or head coach in four years. They have been without a manager since they decided not to extend Lee Clark's short-term contract at the end of last season.

What comes next?

The former centre-back will work alongside former England head coach Steve McClaren, who was appointed Rotherham's head of football last month. As of 30 Jun 2026, Ipswich Town stands 2nd in Championship, with 84 pts, 23W-15D-8L from 46 games, recent form WDDWD, and a goal difference of +33, having scored 80 goals and conceded 47. The team is 11 points behind leaders Coventry. Bruce's first competitive game in charge will be in the EFL Cup first round against West Brom, a club he coached at during his father Steve's spell as manager at The Hawthorns.