It is now nearly 11 weeks since Neil Lennon left his post as Celtic manager but the Hoops still haven’t been able to find a successor.

The Bhoys are thought to be close to finalising a deal for Eddie Howe but until he’s through the door and he’s signed on the dotted line, it is still a worrying scenario.

What’s the word?

There have only ever been three names recognised by the Celtic board as Lennon’s replacement.

An interview occurred with Roy Keane before they turned their attention to Howe. They have been in advanced discussions for the 43-year-old for over a month but it’s now been revealed the Hoops did actually seek an alternative.

In a report from Football Insider this week, they revealed that John Kennedy had been left completely in the dark over his role at Celtic.

In doing so, they also publicised an insightful tidbit of information regarding the full-time manager role.

We were already aware of the club’s interest in Lucien Favre but it’s been claimed that he has been interviewed for the position.

Fabulous Favre

We’ve waxed lyrical about the 63-year-old on a regular basis on Football FanCast but he would be an astute appointment for Celtic, one that could really excite the Celtic support and make them buzz.

First and foremost, the Swiss coach likes a dynamic and attacking brand of football. Last season, Dortmund scored 84 times, a number that was only second in the Bundesliga to Bayern Munich who netted 100 times.

[snack-amp-story url= "https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/celtic-manager-transfers-eddie-howe-jesse-marsch-ryan-christie-siriki-dembele" title="Read the latest Celtic managerial updates, transfer news, rumours and gossip!"]

Another string to his bow is the European experience he possesses. The Hoops need someone who can be flexible between domestic and continental action; something Favre could definitely provide.

He won 61.82% of his matches with Dortmund, losing just 24 of the matches he took charge of.

Favre could also be useful for a rebuilding job, something that’s desperately required at Paradise.

Speaking exclusively to FFC last month, Bundesliga expert Dan Pinder said: “Looking at it, he has done a decent job at rebuilding. Whether he can go into a job that's already there all set up for him, I think that's a different matter. But if he goes into a rebuild job, I think it'd be a pretty decent appointment."

He entered Dortmund at a time when they were completely lost in transition, needing to ship on old players and bring in younger ones. That scenario is incredibly similar to the one that’s playing out at Celtic right now.

He was relatively successful too. Dortmund finished fourth by the skin of their teeth in 2017/18 under Peter Stoger but Favre then guided them to consecutive second-place finishes. In the process, he was described as "outstanding" by BVB star Mario Gotze.

Bearing his attributes and the qualities he brought to Dortmund, Celtic fans should be elated at the thought of him taking over in Glasgow. That said, they shouldn't complain if Howe is appointed either. You don't get from League Two to the Premier League without a precise method about you. The 43-year-old's aesthetically pleasing brand of football would undoubtedly be welcome at Celtic.

If those are the two men in the frame to take over at Celtic, as it appears, then Hoops fans should be buzzing as either of them would be a very welcome appointment.

AND in other news, Celtic can axe McGregor by unleashing rarely-seen 20 y/o with a "wand of a left foot"...