Last week, the talk of the town was Roy Keane to Celtic. The Irishman looked set to walk into the vacant Parkhead hotseat and take charge of the Bhoys next season.
However, a massive U-turn has now taken place, with the Hoops hierarchy preferring a different manager.
What’s the word?
If last week was all about Keane, now it’s all about Eddie Howe. Last weekend, it was revealed that the former Bournemouth boss was a serious candidate to take over at Paradise.
It was then claimed that Howe was very much interested in succeeding Neil Lennon.
Fortunately, his ambition to manage Celtic now looks set to become a reality. According to BBC Sport, Howe is in advanced discussions with the club’s hierarchy over becoming their new manager.
The 43-year-old has reportedly held talks with majority shareholder Dermot Desmond over a move, with things moving smoothly up to this point.
Who would you prefer in the Celtic dugout?
Keane
Howe
He has already performed due diligence on behind-the-scenes matters at the club and has sought advice from contacts with close connections to Celtic.
Fans should be buzzing
This might not be the high profile appointment of Roberto Martinez or Rafa Benitez but it is the next best thing.
If Celtic decided to pursue Keane further, then they’d have been welcoming a manager severely out of touch with the modern requirements of football. The Irishman hasn’t managed for ten years and, when he previously had his chance at both Sunderland and Ipswich, he didn’t pull up many trees.
Celtic podcaster Paul John Dykes admitted the news of Keane potentially arriving hadn’t gone down well with supporters and, considering his win rate of 38.7%, you can hardly blame them.
Howe has only ever succeeded with Bournemouth, but his record on the south coast of England is something to be savoured.
In two spells with the Cherries, the young head coach took them from League Two all the way to the Premier League. He established the club in the top-flight and was even tipped to become England manager at one stage.
A meticulous individual, he would be a huge asset on the training ground. Former players have waxed lyrical over his ability to think creatively and work hard. Such is his hunger and desire that Howe is usually the first to arrive and the last to leave.
Given Lennon’s pitfalls at Lennoxtown, failing to introduce new methods after Brendan Rodgers’ departure, it will be a breath of fresh air to see someone walk through the door with new ideas.
Howe is very much a modern coach; something from which Celtic should benefit. The fans should be delighted that the club have moved away from Keane.
AND in other news, Rarely-seen 18 y/o could be Favre’s new Sancho at Celtic, he’s “exceptionally good”…