Despite gossip merchants suggesting Eddie Howe was in Glasgow, the Newcastle Chronicle reports the Magpies are considering the former Bournemouth man.
It’s never straight-forward when Celtic need to hire a manager, is it?
With Steve Bruce under enormous pressure at St James’ Park, Rafa Benitez is still favourite, along with Giovanni van Bronckhorst, once of Rangers. Benitez, however, has already left Newcastle in acrimonious circumstances once before.
The Chronicle claims Howe is “open to” the Newcastle United job. That is, if it becomes available. The likelihood seems to be that Steve Bruce will be relieved of his duties in the near-future. However, it might’ve made more sense for Magpies owner Mike Ashley to have pulled the trigger on the eve of the international break.
As ever though, it adds a complication for Celtic. If they’ve interviewed Howe, and liked what he had to offer, they have to act now.
Young, talented Premier League managers are hardly ten-a-penny. Howe, who dragged Bournemouth from EFL obscurity to a prolonged stay in the top-flight, has been available since August 2020 [BBC]. While the Celtic hierarchy are right to take their time in general terms, they might’ve got Neil Lennon’s replacement sorted earlier.
Celtic board need to announce something this week, if not Eddie Howe
While we’re sure Celtic have more interviewees visiting Glasgow over the next few days, the board will be keen to stem speculation.
They’ve shown their shrewdness in the past. Brendan Rodgers never seemed like he’d be a realistic choice. Yet, pretty much out of nowhere, he took the Celtic job.
Still, with season ticket renewals upcoming, the Bhoys board need to announce something of real interest. The Director of Football position has been subject to months of speculation. If, and it is unlikely, Celtic don’t name a Neil Lennon replacement soon, the identity of a DoF would be enough for the meantime.
There’s also another interesting sub-plot here; could Dermot Desmond attempt to show up Mike Ashley? If Rafa Benitez heads to the UK for talks, it might well be worth attempting a conversation with the Champions League winner.
Expect a busy week ahead, regardless.
READ MORE: Who said “I want to knock him out”?
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