Davie Provan has delivered a blunt warning for Celtic to ditch their interest in Eddie Howe.
Last weekend it seemed close to a done deal with speculation underway over which Bournemouth players would be reunited with their old boss in Glasgow.
In midweek the tide dramatically turned when an agent representing Howe poured cold water on the story with the warning that Howe won’t be back in management till the summer.
That timetable might suit Newcastle or Crystal Palace but a major rebuild is needed at Celtic with time at a premium with Champions League qualifiers stating in mid-July.
In The Sun Provan doesn’t pull any punches:
IF I were Dermot Desmond, I’d have crossed Eddie Howe off my wish list by now.
After fantasy talk of Rafa Benitez and Roberto Martinez, Celtic have been left chasing the former Bournemouth coach. The pursuit of over-hyped Howe has become embarrassing.
Out of work for nine months since the Cherries’ relegation, this shouldn’t have been a complicated appointment. Particularly when we’re told the persuasive Desmond has met with Howe.
Instead, it’s becoming a saga that could end up humiliating Celts. Howe was supposed to be a done deal with his backroom team already picked and ready to join him in Glasgow. Instead, the ticking of the clock gets louder.
How silly will Celts look if Howe knocks them back now? I wouldn’t be giving him the chance — he’s had enough time to make a decision.
Provan goes on to highlight Dom McKay leaving the SRU early to start work at Celtic, contrasting that with the stand-off attitude of Howe.
Interestingly Provan goes on to claim that the former Bournemouth boss is an introvert- a characteristic that doesn’t go down well in and around Celtic, especially in management.
