The Celtic managerial pendulum is swinging once again. A few weeks ago it looked as though the Bhoys would appoint Roy Keane but then it was Eddie Howe in their crosshairs.
However, they may now have to turn their attentions elsewhere after a major update emerged on Howe’s future.
What’s the word?
The former Bournemouth boss has been touted as Neil Lennon’s successor for over a week now but an immediate move for the 43-year-old has now been put in doubt.
News from Sky Sports late on Wednesday evening revealed word coming from Howe’s camp that he wouldn’t be arriving at Parkhead until at least the summer.
The manager’s rep said: "Talks of any deal being close are extremely premature.”
They added: "His plan remains to not return to management until the summer at the earliest."
Howe left the Cherries by mutual consent last August after they were relegated from the Premier League but he is yet to find a new job.
Desmond seething
This is news that will have rocked Celtic considerably. They evidently had ideas of replacing John Kennedy as interim boss in the immediate future with talks taking place with both Keane and Howe over the last month.
However, the idea that they may have to soldier on with Kennedy at the helm until the summer is unlikely to be greeted too kindly by supporters and majority shareholder Dermot Desmond.
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The businessman seemingly has his work cut out when it comes to finding a new manager for the playing squad and he may now have to look elsewhere again if Howe wants to wait until the summer before making an executive decision.
Last week it looked as though Howe was all but through the door after advanced talks had taken place.
There is nothing to play for in the league right now but finding a new manager to guide their Scottish Cup run could have been game-changing in providing them with some light relief after a difficult campaign.
This is their last remaining chance of winning a trophy this term but with Kennedy at the helm and Rangers to come in the next round, the opportunity of lifting silverware feels slim.
Though, with fresh ideas and a new manager like Howe arriving, it may have given the club some added impetus.
The fact that the Englishman won’t want to arrive until the summer at the earliest should leave Desmond particularly annoyed and frustrated.