Former England international David James has explained how he was “politely” sacked by Celtic-linked Eddie Howe during his time at Bournemouth.
Howe looks set to be appointed the next Parkhead boss before the end of the week [Scottish Sun]. And it appears pundits and former players can’t stop hailing both his managerial ability and his overall demeanour.
The almost certain next Celtic boss is best known for his time with Bournemouth. It was there he managed three promotions over two different spells at the Vitality Stadium. But he didn’t manage to do it without making some tough decisions along the way.
Howe had signed for Bournemouth before Howe arrived for his second spell. And one month before bagging promotion to the Championship, the young tactician took the decision to release James from his contract.
The retired shot-stopper has been discussing that today on Sky Sports News [06/04, 11:45]. And despite only working with Howe for one year, James named him as one of his top two bosses.
“I was at Bournemouth when they got promoted from League 1 and Eddie took over after I had signed for the club. His understanding of people was second to none.
“He so politely sacked me that I didn’t realise until I had walked out the door that I was never going to play again. And I was like, ‘hang on!’. But I couldn’t run back into the room and have a go at him as he’s such a decent bloke and he did it in the right way.
“He was in the top two managers I ever worked with – Harry Redknapp is the other. Talk about chalk and cheese! At Celtic if he goes in there, then tactically he will be superb. He’s got a calming influence and would get the best out of that side.”
David James and his Eddie Howe verdict reads promisingly; strong man-management and a superb tactician
It’s interesting to hear James speak so highly of Howe. You’re talking one season they were together between 2012 and 2013. During that period, David only managed to make a grand total of 19 appearances [Transfermarkt].
It’s not as if the pair had a long-term working relationship. Considering James had been a goalkeeper for over 25 years, he certainly has his pick of managers to choose from. That he compares Howe alongside someone like Harry Redknapp is a massive feather in the former’s cap.
And he also bigs up traits that are going to be essential to Celtic next season. Howe, should he take the job, will need to sow strong man-management in what is undoubtedly going to be a stressful season for all Celtic players.
In addition to that, he’ll have to show his tactical prowess more often than we’ve seen from our managers this season. One of the more frustrating elements of Lennon and Kennedy’s reigns has been their dreadful tactical awareness. If Howe can show a major improvement in that next season, we’ll be on to a winner.
Of course, it’s going to take more than that. It’s going to take astuteness in the transfer market. It’s going to take a calm head in what will be a season in which the pressure is ramped right up.
Most importantly of all, it’s going to take a winning mentality. Howe has to prove to the Celtic supporters that’s something he can bring to the table. Certainly, stories such as the one James tells provides us with plenty of promise about the man we’re hopefully bringing in.
In other news, we discuss why Celtic should make an offer for this 12-goal star with links to Howe.
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