Let’s face it, Eddie Howe coming into the Celtic job now or in the summer was one of the major questions asked when the speculation began.
There was plenty of coverage regarding the issue. The media were consistently questioning whether the former Bournemouth man would take up the option of starting now and taking on Rangers twice, or whether he would stay put for now [Daily Record].
After all, what a star he could’ve had, eh? Knocking Rangers out of the Scottish Cup at Ibrox would’ve been sensational. Following it up with ending their Invincible league run? Goodness, what an emphatic statement that would’ve made.
However, in the end, he’s chosen not to rush into things. His agent confirmed a few weeks back that he wasn’t going anywhere until the summer [Daily Mail]. That was coupled with reports at the end of March that Howe was instead doing due diligence into the football club [Scottish Sun].
And after watching the last two derby matches, Howe has proven himself to be of a wiser head than most.
Eddie Howe has managed to avoid a devastating start to his Celtic tenure
Sure, the thought of Howe coming in last month and all of the bravado that would’ve brought was a great feeling. But it would’ve been a great feeling up until our first derby match. When the manager would’ve been working with a team of players he didn’t sign. A team of players who have shown themselves to be a totally incompetent group this season. A team full of players who seemingly can’t wait to get out the exit door.
Not many in that Celtic side will go home tonight and struggle for sleep. Too many have their eyes fixated on their next move or their return to their parent clubs. This cowardly 4-1 loss at Ibrox won’t affect them.
That’s what Howe was working with. Players whose eyes are already fixated on their futures – many of those being away from Celtic Park. The idea of just jumping into the final 5 games of the season made little sense. Why tarnish your reputation and start off with a poor run of results just for a bit of early bravado?
Howe clearly knew what could’ve happened if he jumped into the gig. These gutless Ibrox performances have proven that there was nothing to gain from rushing in. All it would’ve done is put a negative light on Howe before he would’ve even had a chance to rebuild the club.
Avoiding this absolute catastrophe is actually a positive for Celtic. It shows that Howe has an awareness and some foresight within him. He wasn’t keen to rush in and play the big man act just for a short-term rush.
The most important thing for the Hoops is that we strengthen appropriately over the course of the summer. Hopefully Howe is confirmed as the man to do that in the coming days or weeks. But one thing’s for sure, he’s certainly made a shrewd move in waiting until the summer.
In other news, Kennedy has defended Scott Brown after a predictable derby display.
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