Former Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe spoke about the future last week, and it looks as though Celtic would indeed be his best fit when you look at the overall picture.
Neil Lennon still had a chance to turn things around a week ago. The Celtic boss had the opportunity to hit the refresh button against Sparta Prague before taking on Ross County in the Betfred Cup which would be followed by a winnable run of league fixtures.
Fast forward a week and supporters are considering other candidates after Prague hammered us 4-1 and County knocked us out of the Betfred Cup. Lennon now finds himself in an ominous situation, with the Scottish Sun reporting crunch talks are to be held before tomorrow night.
One of the popular names in the frame is certainly English manager Howe, who left Bournemouth after they were relegated in the summer. And judging by what he said on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football a week ago, Celtic is certainly the best fit for him:
“I made my decision for the best interests of Bournemouth and myself. I wanted to be at home and be with my family, to see my kids grow up, I wanted to learn and develop my knowledge and abilities as a manager.
“Then, if I decide to get back in, if I am lucky enough to get given an opportunity, I will do that. But for me, I do not want to get back in just for the sake of it, it would have to be something that really motivated me.”
How about the chance to become an instant Celtic icon Eddie?
Howe’s comments about wanting to see his kids grow up is a nice touch and probably makes it sound as though he isn’t interested in getting back into football anytime soon. But he’s a football manager – they’re all intrigued by exciting opportunities.
He says that the challenge would have to be something that really motivates him. It wouldn’t just be anything he’s after. Well, the chance to topple Steven Gerrard and secure 10-in-a-row for Celtic should be as exciting as it gets for Howe at this stage in his career.
His reputation has taken a bit of a knock after Bournemouth’s relegation last season, but we’re talking about a manager who brought them right up from League Two to the riches of England’s top-tier. That’s a monumental achievement, and something that should instantly see him right up there as one of Celtic’s top choices.
Lennon’s position appears untenable, and Howe has pretty much just come out and said he’s looking for a challenge that has a bit of meat to it. Well, within months Howe could secure himself as an icon at one of Britain’s biggest clubs, with a future long-term challenge of rebuilding our European reputation.
Given how bleak things look here, getting Howe around the table and getting to know his own footballing philosophy and what he thinks of Celtic would be an extremely interesting discussion to be had. It would also unite a support desperately in need of a pick-me-up.
Watch this space.
In other news, there’s been major controversy surrounding a big decision involving Celtic today.
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