Will he or won’t he? That appears to be the million-dollar question surrounding Celtic and the Bhoys’ managerial target Eddie Howe.
The 43-year-old has been linked with the job since November and has now emerged as the favourite to succeed Neil Lennon in the Parkhead dugout.
What’s the word?
Howe was in advanced discussions with Celtic a week ago but a number of complications have since arisen. The former Bournemouth boss doesn’t want to return to management until the summer, while he’s also seeking assurances over his backroom staff.
That being said, an update on Thursday provided reason to be excited. Speaking on The Go Radio Football Show, presenter Paul Cooney provided some promising thoughts:
“The word is though, close to him, that it looks as though he’s coming. It’s about when. He knew Crystal Palace would come up, probably,” Cooney began.
“Newcastle may come up, others may come up and if it’s an absolutely massive one then maybe he won’t but the word is the deal is done, and he’s going to come,” the host concluded.
Fantastic news
Over recent weeks there have been consistent setbacks in Celtic’s search for a new manager. Ralf Rangnick was quickly touted with a move to Schalke before American coach Jesse Marsch was also ruled out of the running in swift fashion.
He admitted it was an honour to be linked with the job but, just a day later, it was revealed that he wouldn’t be moving to Glasgow in a few months' time.
[snack-amp-story url="https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-celtic-manager-and-transfer-news-roy-keane-nicky-butt-jesse-marsch-scott-brown" title="Latest Celtic manager and transfer news!"]
Roy Keane came close to walking through the door only for talks to hit a sticking point. Therefore, the Hoops supporters are due some good news.
After hearing that Howe wouldn’t entertain the idea of a move until the summer, it put a cloud of doubt over whether Celtic and Dermot Desmond would still want to bring him to Paradise.
That being said, as Cooney claims, he will still join the Bhoys unless another massive club comes calling. Given that Howe has been out of the managerial game for a while now, it would be a surprise if he received a better offer than Celtic between now and the summer months.
This is an update which should come as great comfort for a fan base who have been put through hell for various parts of this season.