NEW City joint-owner Edin Rahic believes he can box clever with Phil Parkinson as his “sparring partner”.

Rahic has held his first couple of meetings with the Bantams boss following the German takeover last week, discussing the potential budget and plans for the squad for next season.

Being based full-time at Valley Parade, he intends to be more “hands on” in his approach while business partner Stefan Rupp will fly in frequently from Germany.

And Rahic hopes his close interest and background in the game will give Parkinson someone to bounce his ideas off.

He said: “I think it will be good for him to have a sparring partner like me.

“I also have a coaching licence in Germany so I know a little bit of football. I think I can speak with him over football.

“I think it’s also very important to give him a good feeling when he speaks about transfers.

“That’s important and it’s better than having owners who probably have other interests than the club.

“We have to concentrate on the budget for the first team and the rest we will see. You have to give us time to understand how it works and then we will make decisions."

Latest figures revealed that 70 managers lost their jobs last season with 56 sackings. Parkinson, now approaching his five-year anniversary at the City helm, is the fifth-longest serving in the English game.

“It’s unbelievable to be there so long and very positive,” added Rahic. “But it’s the same in Germany where coaches only last one or two years.

“And are these clubs that often change managers successful? I don’t think so.”

The takeover has attracted interest back in Germany and Rahic expects City’s results to be followed with interest.

He said: “It has started in the press now and it will be popular because there are more Germans now in England.

“You see Klopp over here, Schweinsteiger and Wagner at Huddersfield."