Former Eddie Howe ally 'wouldn't be surprised' if gaffer made Celtic switch as insider information offered

Celtic have been told that former Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe would be open to a Parkhead move by ex midfielder Marvin Bartley.

Howe has been linked with Hoops vacancies in the past - and with the pressure building on Celtic boss Martin O’Neill, he’s been tipped as his successor. Current Stenhousemuir boss Bartley, - who played under Howe as a player at Burnley ‘wouldn’t be surprised’ if he managed Celtic one day, as he claims his former gaffer is already an admirer of Scotland.

The closest Howe has been to taking the reins at Parkhead was in 2021, when he pulled out of the manager race due to issues with his backroom staff. Instead, the Englishman took over at Newcastle United, where he earned the Magpies their first trophy in 56 years and earned Champions League qualification on several occasions. The Hoops instead turned to Ange Postecoglou, who also turned out to be a success.

Why Bartley ‘wouldn’t be surprised’ if Howe joined Celtic?

Given the pedigree of the English boss - who stepped down at St James’ Park in July and is currently out of work - doubts have been cast over his willingness to try his hand north of the border. However, Bartley claims the Parkhead dugout would remain an appealing option for the philosopher.

Speaking on Clyde 1’s Superscoreboard, the Hibs icon said: “I wouldn’t be as surprised as others if Eddie Howe ended up at Celtic. Yes, he’s from the south of England, but he loves that big club feel. When he went to Newcastle, I don’t think he realised how big they were.

“Celtic are a different level to them. I think that sort of thing could interest him. I don’t think his next move will be based purely on finances, it will be the size of the club and the project and if he’s going to be given all the keys to go and sign the players he wants and not be told who to sign. He needs to be a manager; he won’t accept being a head coach. He already spends a lot of time in Scotland playing all the golf courses.”

Is O’Neill likely to stay at Celtic?

Howe joining Celtic would only be possible if veteran gaffer O’Neill left. The 74-year old is taking time to ‘reflect’ on his position during the international break after three successive defeats. CEO Michael Nicholson has recently released a statement backing the manager, however there is still a chance he could walk over the next three weeks.

After the most recent defeat at home to Rangers, O’Neill said: “I knew that we were in a big, big fight anyway, with both ourselves, Rangers, and Hearts again, who are far from out of anything. It's a long season ahead. It's not the first time I've been questioned about my managerial time. So, yeah, I'll have a look at it. I will reflect and see.”

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