Iffy Onuora has played down rumours linking him to the vacant coaching role at Gillingham.

Onuora (pictured) is back in the country after less than a year managing the Ethiopian national team.

He was with Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler during Monday’s friendly match at Braintree, sparking rumours that he could be the man to replace Ian Hendon, whose decision to join West Ham leaves the club without an assistant manager.

Onuora said: “I have been at Gillingham for other reasons than what people will think and it’s just coincidence.”

Hessenthaler is keen to replace Hendon with a coach and has been inundated with calls from potential suitors.

Onuora left the Gills in 2007, shortly after the arrival of Mark Stimson. He had been in temporary charge since previous boss Ronnie Jepson left the club, who he had worked alongside.

Since his time at Gillingham Onuora has spent time at Lincoln City, where he worked as number two with Peter Jackson, becoming acting manager during Jackson’s operation and recovery from cancer.

He then joined Ethiopia as national manager, until leaving the job in April.

“It was a very interesting time and a great experience,” he said. “I really enjoyed it.

“It was difficult though and certainly not a walk in the park. It was tough out there with the administration and the facilities but there is no easy job in football.”

Onuora has also completed a legal degree and could turn his attentions elsewhere should he choose.

“Football has been a big part of my lift but I’ve always tried to broaden my horizons and I kept up with my studies.

“You need an alternative because of how football is and so I’m keeping my options open.”

Would you have liked to see Iffy back with the Gills? Comment below.