At 43-years-old, Eddie Howe possesses over a decade of managerial experience.
Taking the hot seat at Bournemouth on New Year’s Eve in 2008, the Englishman was charged with staving off a shock relegation from 2008/09 League 2 for the South Coast club.
Immediately thrown into the midst of a winter transfer window, Howe was able to replenish his squad effectively and spectacularly avoid the drop. Financial irregularities meant that the Cherries opened the 2008/09 season on -17 points. Therefore, their eventual survival all the more incredible.
Howe’s January recruitment was eventually crucial to preserving the Cherries’ league status. Here is how his first five signings got on at Bournemouth.
Jake Thomson
Recognised as the maiden acquisition of Howe’s tenure, the former Southampton youth joined Bournemouth on a one-month loan deal in December 2008.
The Trinidad & Tobago international went on to make six appearances at Dean Court, registering one goal and a solitary assist before returning to the Saints.
He now finds himself on the books of non-league Fareham Town F.C. [Transfermarkt].
Rhoys Wiggins
Brought in from Crystal Palace on loan in 2009, Wiggins went on to be one of Howe’s key players in his earlier escapades as a head-coach. Predominantly a left-back, the Wales call-up went on to feature 72 times for the club over two separate spells [Transfermarkt].
Captured permanently for Bournemouth in between a spell at Norwich City, Wiggins is perhaps a solid indicator of the type of full-back Howe will look to bring in through the Parkhead doors.
Solid in defence and capable of supporting attacking transitions, the heavily Celtic linked Howe described Wiggins as ‘brilliant’ due to the stability he brought to the Cherries left-flank [Bournemouth Echo].
Injuries prematurely curtailed the Welshman’s impressive career. However there is no doubt he played a key role in the rise of Howe as a manager. Hopefully, there can be similar positive relations between the prospective new Celtic man and the Hoops players moving forward.
David Button
Brought in on loan from Tottenham Hotspur in January, Button made 4 outings between the sticks for Bournemouth in the 2008/09 campaign [SoccerBase].
Signed to provide competition for Shwan Jalal, the Stevenage-born goalkeeper was only ever likely to stay temporarily. It was no surprise really to see him fail to get more minutes.
Despite this, Button now finds himself in the Premier League come 2021 with West Bromwich Albion [Transfermarkt]. If anything, this should encourage the Celtic support. It shows Howe’s ability to spot potential from a young age.
Steve Fletcher
Fletcher arrived for his second period with Bournemouth in early 2009. His experience proved to be invaluable to the Cherries’ ascent up the Football League. Having a stand named after him in 2010, he scored the goal that secured his club’s league status in 2008/09.
His leadership, know-how, and physicality afforded his manager an important outlet. That’s despite the fact he was in the twilight of his career. Intriguingly, this also shows that Howe can delegate responsibility to older heads adequately.
Although youth will be paramount to the Celtic rebuild, there needs to be a balance if the Celts are going to reclaim the Scottish Premiership title.
Anton Robinson
An underrated purchase, Robinson arrived from Weymouth on a free transfer in 2009 [Transfermarkt]. An unknown to many Bournemouth fans previously, Howe was able to maximise his output which saw him appear 114 times for the club [SoccerBase].
Fitting the profile of the Cherries style of play, his desire and hunger lead him to become an influential part of his side’s promotion to League 1.
And Howe was just 31-years of age at the time. He demonstrated a remarkable knack of bringing in use-worthy players on a limited budget. Especially at such a young age.
Hopefully, we can see more of the same. Providing he is in the Celtic Park dugout come the start of the next campaign of course.
In other news, we take a look at the big decisions Peter Lawwell now has to make after the Dominic McKay announcement.
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