Celtic legends state what would have happened if Eddie Howe had become the club’s manager

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Peter Grant and Andy Walker are certain that now-Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe would have been a ‘success’ at Celtic.

Before Celtic could appoint Ange Postecoglou as manager, there were heavy links with Eddie Howe, who at the time, was a free agent after leaving Bournemouth – Howe explained why he didn’t become Bhoys boss.

At one point, it looked like something was going to happen, with some excitement within the fanbase, and now you can see why.

Since then, Eddie Howe has proceeded to take the hotseat at Newcastle United and he guided the club to Champions League football in his first full season in charge – Jamie Carragher says Howe is the best English manager around, bar none.

Celtic legend Peter Grant, who knows the 45-year-old personally, stated that he has done a ‘terrific’ job with the Saudi-owned club and he previously spoke to him about the job, as he told Go Radio.

Yes, Newcastle have spent, but so have many teams around them. Either way, from his style of football to his ability to improve players, he would have done that at Parkhead, no end.

That was a talking point for Peter Grant and Andy Walker, including how he would have gone down a different route, in terms of recruitment.

Eddie Howe at Newcastle United Celtic

“He has done terrific,” said Grant. “We know the thing that was getting swung about before Ange came in. I spoke to Eddie (Howe) about the job and I am delighted for him because he is a fantastic boy as well. A really good football man, who loves his football.”

Andy Walker then asked: “Why didn’t he come to Glasgow? Celtic chased him for so long. I know that they got Ange Postecoglou, in the end, and he was great.

“But when you see what Eddie Howe has done at Newcastle, he too, I am sure, would have been a success.”

Grant then added: “There is no doubt he would have been a success. No doubt about that. Would he have brought in the same players in as Ange? Definitely not.”

Big Ange instead…

Sometimes in life, things are a blessing in disguise, and it was certainly the case with Postecoglou.

His stock was a lot lower than Howe’s, with many even questioning whether Celtic were doing the right thing bringing him in because, at the time, Rangers were champions.

And whilst he needed time to settle in, once he got his and the club’s engine going, well, the rest is there for all to see – Roy Keane and Ian Wright recently had a heated argument now that he is at Tottenham.

That Treble win will live long in the memory of supporters, and whilst it was disappointing to see him leave in the summer, in the end, it’s understandable given the lure of the Premier League, but what a way to bow out!