UWE Rosler today stressed that his presence at Phil Parkinson’s final City game was “pure coincidence”.

The German is heavily backed to succeed Parkinson at Valley Parade as the jostling begins for the manager’s hot-seat.

Rosler knows the new owners Edin Rahic and Stefan Rupp – and put them in touch with a couple of English clubs well before they were attracted to City.

He was spotted at three games last season, including the final play-off at Millwall, but he insists that was nothing to do with the German duo and people have read far too much into that.

Rosler, speaking exclusively to the Telegraph & Argus, said: “It was purely coincidence I went to the Millwall game. Whether people believe me or not, that is the truth.

“I was with a German friend, a die-hard Millwall supporter, and we had got the tickets from their former head of recruitment Andrew Mills.

“Everything then escalated but I wasn’t aware what was going to happen because I hadn’t spoken to the new owners.

“I heard the news about the takeover on the Sunday and it took me completely by surprise.

“I was on the way to be interviewed at Charlton Athletic on the Monday morning. But obviously people seeing me at the game who didn’t know the facts assumed everything was connected.

“I was at two other Bradford games against Bury in the FA Cup and the league, both at Bury. I was there scouting for Manchester City to look at the goalkeeper Ian Lawlor, who was on loan.

“I think people are making one plus one without really knowing the facts.

“I know the owners and I have known them for quite some time. I helped them to get in contact with a couple of English clubs two years ago but had nothing to do with Bradford City.

“I had no contact with them for three months before the takeover and was very surprised to hear about it at the end of the season.”

As revealed in the T&A on Saturday, Stuart McCall has declared an interest in a second crack at the Valley Parade job. Nigel Adkins, Steve Cotterill and Neil Redfearn are other contenders believed to be ready to throw their hat into the ring.

Rosler is keen to return to management after being sacked by Leeds in October – just 12 games into his reign.

He added: “I enjoyed my time at Leeds but unfortunately I didn’t get the chance to show what I can do. For me, it was experience and can only make me better.

“I’ve been a manager for over ten years now and have been successful at a number of clubs.

“I still consider myself a young manager and I definitely want to come back into management. But when and where it will be, I cannot tell you.

“Obviously I know Phil Parkinson very well and we get on very well. I have big respect for him as a person.

“Phil did a great job at Bradford and he has now gone. Yes, I know the owners but it’s not as straight forward as everybody thinks.

“I’ve only spoken to them since Phil got permission to talk to Bolton.”