THE near-three month wait to appoint Eddie Howe as Celtic’s new manager is coming to an end.
The ex-Bournemouth gaffer has been on the Hoops radar since Neil Lennon departed Parkhead on February 23.
A debriefing of the players is scheduled this week before they break for their month-long summer break.
If the Hoops hierarchy can put their plans into motion, the new man could be announced at that stage.
Celtic fans, who have endured a wretched and trophyless campaign for the first time in 11 years, will have to remain patient until the fallen champions get the full management jigsaw put together.
It’s clear and understandable the club’s followers are growing frustrated and anxious at the lack of an unveiling of a new manager, but it is essential that the right man gets the nod with the right team alongside him.
IT TAKES TWO…Stephen Welsh congratulates Karamoko Dembele after the teenager’s first competitive goal in the 4-0 win over St Johnstone last week.
Stephen Welsh, a rare late-season success in a side that completed the campaign from hell a ridiculous 25 points adrift of the trophy winners, has already endorsed the qualities of the club’s manager-in-waiting.
The young central defender said: “Obviously, Eddie Howe was a fantastic manager for Bournemouth over the last few years. He fits the criteria. He plays good football from what I have seen, so it’s exciting more than anything.”
Despite the continued uncertainty, Welsh, speaking to the Daily Record, added: “We’re all pretty calm about it. The club will deal with it the way they should. We’re positive about what the future holds regardless if it’s a new manager and coaches, whatever, we’ll be ready to work hard for them and do well.
“I think it’s natural to think they will be watching if you have an idea a new face is coming in. You want to go out and prove how good you are, prove you should be in the team next season.
“That’s all you can do as a player.”
