UWE ROSLER’S incredible passion and determination is never far from the surface; it’s what makes him a cult hero to a legion of Manchester City supporters.
But it could have turned out much differently…
Destined for an unremarkable career in East Germany, where the Berlin Wall presented a greater boundary than just bricks and mortar, Uwe was 25 and heading nowhere.
Then, as the Iron Curtain dropped and a raw, uninhibited talent emerged, he was offered a chance at struggling English Premier League club, Manchester City.
The mullet-haired striker was an instant hit. The fans loved his raw passion, commitment and the fact he wore his heart on his sleeve – that, plus he named his two sons, Colin and Tony, after club heroes Bell and Book.
For three successive years he finished top scorer, and only severe cut-backs after a second relegation resulted in him moving on. But his biggest battle was yet to come.
Diagnosed with chest cancer as his playing career came to an end in Norway, Uwe was forced to reassess his life and ambitions. But, lifted by the incredible affection of the City fans, he made a remarkable recovery and moved into management.
After successful spells in Norway, he returned to England, taking over at League One side Brentford, where he continues to make a big impression.
His dream is to manage in the Premier League, and Uwe will keep going until he succeeds. There’s not been a wall built yet he hasn’t scaled and almost 15 years since he left City, the fans still regularly sing his name. This is his incredible story…
But it could have turned out much differently…
Destined for an unremarkable career in East Germany, where the Berlin Wall presented a greater boundary than just bricks and mortar, Uwe was 25 and heading nowhere.
Then, as the Iron Curtain dropped and a raw, uninhibited talent emerged, he was offered a chance at struggling English Premier League club, Manchester City.
The mullet-haired striker was an instant hit. The fans loved his raw passion, commitment and the fact he wore his heart on his sleeve – that, plus he named his two sons, Colin and Tony, after club heroes Bell and Book.
For three successive years he finished top scorer, and only severe cut-backs after a second relegation resulted in him moving on. But his biggest battle was yet to come.
Diagnosed with chest cancer as his playing career came to an end in Norway, Uwe was forced to reassess his life and ambitions. But, lifted by the incredible affection of the City fans, he made a remarkable recovery and moved into management.
After successful spells in Norway, he returned to England, taking over at League One side Brentford, where he continues to make a big impression.
His dream is to manage in the Premier League, and Uwe will keep going until he succeeds. There’s not been a wall built yet he hasn’t scaled and almost 15 years since he left City, the fans still regularly sing his name. This is his incredible story…
