Newcastle FA Cup shock: Another day to breathe a sigh of relief Eddie Howe didn't end up at Celtic

By John McGinley

January 8, 2022

Newcastle United and Eddie Howe have had a nightmare of a day in the FA Cup and it’s another reminder that Celtic dodged a bullet when our deal to bring him to Glasgow collapsed.

The Magpies have shockingly lost 1-0 at home to Cambridge United. The U’s currently sit 16th in English League One, yet they’ve managed to overcome moneybags Newcastle on the day star signing Kieran Trippier made his debut.

I am not afraid to admit I was a big backer of the Howe to Celtic speculation. I did want him in the dugout at Celtic Park and said that publicly multiple times. I was wrong.

We ended up with Ange Postecoglou and I can’t explain to you how much I am relieved it all played out like that.

Postecoglou has a talented squad and more resources than every team in Scotland, yet he lived up to expectations by winning the Scottish League Cup. Howe has crashed out with Newcastle to a lower league side that hadn’t scored in three matches.

It seems that the predictions of Howe not travelling away from Bournemouth well, or having the personality to unite a big supporter-led club are proving accurate.

Listen, there’s a long way for him to go at Newcastle. And a lot of money to be spent. No one is suggesting this is the end of the road for him at St James’ Park.

But let’s not pretend seeing results like today’s doesn’t bring home that our sliding doors moment in 2021 involving Howe and Postecoglou has worked out perfectly for Celtic.

There’s simply no other way to look at it.

Sometimes being the richest club in the world isn’t everything, eh?

In other news, Report: Multiple teams show interest in Celtic striker; club listening to offers.