It has been over three months since Neil Lennon packed his bags and left Celtic behind following a dismal campaign in the Parkhead dugout.
A swift resolution to their woes was needed but the Hoops hierarchy have found life difficult when it’s come to replacing him.
What’s the word?
Celtic were in advanced talks to bring Eddie Howe to Paradise for the best part of two months but after waiting for such a long period of time, a move collapsed.
The 43-year-old looked set to take charge with just his backroom staff to be agreed upon but a deal couldn’t be struck, leaving the Bhoys to consider alternatives.
Ange Postecoglou is now the frontrunner to become the new manager but the fallout to their chase of Howe continues to rage on.
Football Insider shared a new piece of information regarding their pursuit at the weekend, suggesting that Howe snubbed Celtic because he wants to take the Southampton job.
Ralph Hasenhuttl is currently in charge of the Saints but it’s thought a position could open up if they have a poor start to the new campaign.
Desmond can’t be happy
After the two parties pulled the plug on a deal a week and a half ago it can’t have left Dermot Desmond and co very happy.
They’d been waiting patiently and were refusing to panic as they sat about while Bournemouth’s promotion charge went on.
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Howe wanted to bring in a number of coaches from the Vitality Stadium but had to wait until their Championship play-off campaign had concluded.
Bournemouth didn’t get promoted but Howe failed to agree deals with his preferred backroom staff, leading to a U-turn on the situation from both the club and manager.
That appeared to be the primary reason for a collapse but if it is indeed interest from the Premier League that’s caused another stumbling block, Desmond should be rather angry.
Crystal Palace played a significant part in one of the delays as they reportedly interviewed Howe, only for him to flop during the interview process.
What’s even more peculiar is that there isn’t currently a position at Southampton for the Englishman to take.
They ended the season in a horrendous run of form, winning just five of the 22 league matches they’ve played in 2021.
Southampton started the campaign in good form and were sitting top of the table in November. If a similar eventuality occurs in the new term then it will leave Howe waiting even longer for a job.
If everything had worked out, he may well have been sitting in the Parkhead dugout with one of the most historical clubs in world football.
Desmond should be worried that Celtic aren’t being viewed as a big catch.