If this week has told you anything about Celtic, it’s that a new manager is immediately required in the Parkhead dugout.
They have been knocked out of the Scottish Cup and the way in which the Bhoys drew in midweek was rather alarming.
What’s the word?
John Kennedy may well be on Celtic’s radar to become the permanent manager but fortunately for supporters, Dermot Desmond and the Hoops hierarchy have other names in mind.
Roy Keane has come back into contention over the last few days but Eddie Howe still appears to be at the top of their list.
A number of stumbling points have occurred in Celtic’s pursuit of the 43-year-old but according to one journalist, they are refusing to panic and haven’t been deterred by his actions in the last few weeks.
Speaking on the latest edition of the Celtic Huddle podcast, John McGarry said: “I’m told that both parties are fairly relaxed about the situation in terms of negotiations. Nobody’s stormed off in a huff or anything like that. It’s just taking a long time to get these discussions over structure and personnel over the line.”
A big mistake
Howe has been playing Celtic the fool for a considerable period of time now.
The former Bournemouth manager doesn’t want to return to management until the summer while he’s had a number of unpleasing demands in the backroom department.
One source claims that Howe wants to bring the “kitchen sink” with him to Paradise, something the hierarchy have refused.
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One of his biggest demands is that Richard Hughes is made the club’s new director of football instead of Fergal Harkin.
However, what this week has shown is that Celtic can’t afford to wait until the summer. Truth be told, they shouldn’t be relaxed about the situation at all.
This is a monumental few months for the Hoops and if they are to address their patchy playing squad, they need a permanent manager installed at Parkhead as soon as possible.
If they have to wait for Howe that means they won’t be able to crack on properly with their recruitment until the window is actually open.
It’s a huge mistake from Dermot Desmond to wait on the Englishman and they must move onto other targets.
He and Dominic McKay currently have their work cut out but they simply have to start taking the initiative sooner rather than later. Howe isn’t special enough to play them around.