The former Palace and Charlton boss spent today working for the BBC and has been spotted house hunting in Balsall Common.
Covsupport understands that Dowie was the only option left to the Managerial Selection Committee. Eric Black and Richard Money are alleged not to have met the criteria decided upon. However, both have form with Mike McGinnity who was on the Selection Committee.
Managers currently at clubs were disadvantaged as City were unwilling to pay out any compensation to previous employers,having paid off Micky Adams and soon Adrian Heath,so Dowie was the only available option.
The Northern Irishman had been lined up but interest from Leicester changed Dowie's mind. When Milan Mandaric decided to keep Rob Kelly,Dowie opted to take City's offer.