KEITH JACKSON has backed up our own claim that Eddie Howe’s Celtic appointment is a matter of when and not if. The only mystery is why it’s taken so long.
Writing in RecordSport Jackson confirmed the Celtic board and Dermot Desmond are relaxed about what’s happening:
“That those closest to these confidential conversations appear to be entirely relaxed about what happens next, also suggests not only that some sort of action plan has been thrashed out and agreed but that it is already being put into practice well out of public view.
“The smart money remains heavily stacked on Eddie Howe’s eventual appointment as Lennon’s permanent replacement. The informed word is, it’s only a matter of when Desmond lands his top target as opposed to if.
“That does not explain why Howe has held off for so long.”
The tight-lipped nature of Celtic’s dealings has everyone speculating but nobody knowing for sure why the deal hasn’t been made public.
Have negotiations taken this long? Is there still ties to Bournemouth when it comes to Eddie’s contract? Has he been waiting on his backroom team to finish the Championship season?
Celtic have a history of drawing out deals and rarely get things done quickly.
It’s a strange one because we’re numb to all the Eddie Howe talk now. The major thing being lost in the mix is the appointment of the Englishman is a major coup for the club.
By the time it gets announced, fans enthusiasm could be at an all-time low.
I’ve heard Howe is still being paid by Bournemouth until the end of the season. It doesn’t make sense to potentially take a pay cut when there’s nothing to gain this season. It may also cost Celtic compensation to release him from that contract if they take him before the season is finished or before a certain date.