Celtic are in advanced talks with Eddie Howe about becoming the new manager of the Parkhead side, according to the Daily Record. The 43-year-old is the clear favourite to become the next permanent manager, beating off competition from a number of candidates to replace Neil Lennon.
After eight years with Bournemouth, Howe left the Cherries with an enormity of goodwill having continued to punch above the weight of the small, costal side against the financial might of the Premier League. Howe’s stock in England is still high but Celtic are hoping to convince him of the project that is underway in Glasgow with a new footballing operations ongoing. Howe will likely be undertaking due diligence, speaking to people he knows in Scotland and in the game – such as Brendan Rodgers.
Howe has been out of work since leaving relegated Bournemouth in the summer. He was replaced by his assistant, Jason Tindal but now will be looking for a return to management – especially with his stock still high. Howe would likely be able to walk into any lower end Premier League job/top end Championship side so to hire him would be a coup.
This news could potentially be the first of many incomings to the club as Dominic McKay prepares to take the helm during the close season. For Celtic, however, the game against Falkirk in the Scottish Cup is the immediate focus even if the talk of Howe is something to be excited about.
Howe does not believe in defending
Whoever we appoint, we’ll get behind them and take the ‘innocent until proven guilty stance’, allowing the new manager/coach time to be embedded. So many factors here. I think if Howe was appointed, the positives outweigh the negatives. New, fresh ideas, fitness, positive energy, a new team so now preconceptions etc. And hopefully a penchant for looking to develop our academy too