David Syers today admitted the chance to jump a division with Doncaster was too good to resist.

And he stressed there was no rift with Phil Parkinson over his departure from City.

Fans favourite Syers looked set to sign a new deal at Valley Parade but quit last week after Dean Saunders made Rovers’ interest known.

Coventry were also keen on him, and Syers revealed the attraction of League One football was the decisive factor.

He said: “I’ve had two great years at Bradford and I was more than happy to stay.

“But coming into the game relatively late at 24, I’m not classed as a young footballer.

“I just felt the opportunity to join a club that will be challenging at the top of League One was too good to turn down.

“I kept thinking that if I turned it down, would I get that chance again?”

His future was thrown in doubt at the end of last season when Parkinson revealed that he had rejected an offer from City in January. But the pair continued to talk and it was hoped that the midfielder would still put pen to paper.

Syers denied there was ever any fall-out – or that he had left the club over money.

“People have said things but nobody knows what’s gone on and I’m sure it’s going to stay that way. As far as I was concerned, the deal from Bradford was a good one.

“I had a few conversations with Phil Parkinson before I went on holiday and I was perfectly happy to sign when I came back.

“But a couple of big League One teams came in and the chance to play in a higher division was too good to miss.

“I never had a thought of moving to another League Two club just for the sake of it.

“There are no problems with Phil. I rate him as a top manager and I would have been very happy to play for him next season.

“To get Dava (Andrew Davies) signed up just shows the belief the players have in him. He can give you that.

“Rory McArdle is going to be another really good signing and I’ve no doubt he will put a strong team together capable of challenging.”

Syers was crowned player of the year in his first season after Peter Taylor snapped him up from non-league. But last season never got going after he suffered a serious knee injury at Leeds in the opening week.

He added: “My two years encapsulated everything of a pro career, with both the highs and lows.

“But I was proud of being able to achieve my dream of playing professional football for a club like Bradford.

“I remember going to watch Sunderland play at Valley Parade and then ten years later I was out there on that pitch. Every game since I’ve felt special to be involved.

“The fans have always been tremendous and that’s why I like talking to them on Twitter. I’ve been really moved by their responses.

“I’d say 90 per cent have understood that I always gave my all playing for Bradford but I had to take this opportunity.

“The Bradford supporters deserve a great season. And when it does come right and the club are pushing for promotion, it is going to be extremely special.”