Scottish pundit shares ‘nightmare’ Celtic claim as newspaper delivers Howe timeline update
Eddie Howe must make an immediate impact at Celtic if he is to avoid the supporters’ wrath, Alan Hutton has warned.
The former Scotland defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, admitted the Hoops’ managerial hunt had turned into a “nightmare” since Neil Lennon’s exit.
The Daily Record claim Celtic are hoping to appoint Howe over the next fortnight after contractual red tape delayed his arrival at Parkhead.
It is said the Hoops must wait for Bournemouth, who are currently in the Championship play-offs, to finish their season before Howe can join.
Hutton admitted he could understand why fans would be growing frustrated with the lack of progress at Parkhead.
As such, he suggested Howe would have to hit the ground running to win over frustrated fans.
“As a fan, it’s a bit of a nightmare,” Hutton told Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge.
“We’ve been speaking about it for months. We’re obviously not supporters of the club but I can only think from a supporters point of view and what they’re thinking.
“It’s quite simple from where I sit – winning games wins the fans over. That’s what it’s all about. When you’re in charge of the Old Firm or you’re a supporter, if you’re getting beat it’s terrible. If you’re winning game after game, it’s brilliant.
“He needs to hit the ground running. That’s where I’m looking at it from. If he came in three, four months ago, he could evaluate the squad. See who he wants to keep, see who he wants to let go. Maybe Scott Brown would have stayed.
“He then knows the positions he needs to fill. Who needs to move on, what he needs to do for next season and get a feel for it. He would have had time to get ready for next season. Now it’s all going to be rush-rush. He’s going to have to have a quick turnaround and hit the ground running.
“Next season’s massive in terms of you can be straight into the Champions League if you win the Premiership. If he doesn’t start well and the fans are back in the stadium, it could be a difficult time for him.”
Howe left Bournemouth last summer following the club’s relegation from the Premier League.
The Cherries won the first leg of their play-off semi-final against Brentford 1-0.
In other news, pundit claims Celtic chiefs will be growing angry as broadcaster details another Howe update.