Ex-Newcastle United boss backed for Celtic job as Martin O’Neill exit fears grow

Former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has been suggested as a potential candidate for the Celtic job if Martin O’Neill eventually decides to leave Parkhead.

Howe has previously been linked with a move to Scotland, having been mentioned as a possible Celtic target before he eventually took over from Steve Bruce at Newcastle in November 2021.

His time on Tyneside proved highly successful. After helping Newcastle move away from relegation trouble early in his tenure, Howe went on to guide the club into the Champions League on two occasions.

His biggest achievement came in domestic competition, when Newcastle defeated Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final to end a 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy.

Howe stepped down from his position this summer, with Matthias Jaissle subsequently appointed as his successor.

Eddie Howe suggested for Celtic role

Howe’s availability has now led to renewed discussion about his potential return to management, with Celtic among the clubs being mentioned should O’Neill depart.

The Celtic manager’s position has attracted increased scrutiny following consecutive defeats to Rangers and a Europa League loss against Ferencvaros.

Former Hibs and Livingston defender Marvin Bartley believes Howe could be attracted to the scale and ambition of Celtic.

Speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, Bartley said he would not be surprised to see Howe consider the position.

“I wouldn’t be as surprised as others if Eddie Howe ended up at Celtic,” Bartley said.

The former defender believes the size of the club could be an important factor for Howe rather than simply financial considerations.

Bartley explains why Howe could be interested

Bartley pointed to Howe’s experience at Newcastle, suggesting that the scale of the club and the responsibility that came with the role could appeal to him.

He also believes Howe would want significant control over recruitment if he were to take his next managerial position.

According to Bartley, Howe would prefer to operate as a traditional manager rather than simply as a head coach, with control over the players brought into the club forming an important part of any potential project.

Bartley added that Howe already spends considerable time in Scotland away from football, joking that the former Newcastle boss is familiar with many of the country’s golf courses.

For now, there is no confirmation that Celtic are actively pursuing Howe, and O’Neill remains in the position.

However, with continued discussion surrounding the Celtic manager’s future, Howe’s availability means his name is likely to remain part of the wider conversation about potential successors.