Why Celtic are to blame for Howe talks collapse – Scots pundit
Alan Hutton has claimed Celtic must take some of the blame after talks with Eddie Howe collapsed.
The former Scotland defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the Hoops needed to “take the bull by the horns” instead of waiting for the 43-year-old to make a decision.
The Hoops issued a statement last week confirming discussions with Howe had fallen through and he would not be taking charge.
The Daily Mail claim the former Bournemouth manager was unable to assemble the backroom team he wanted at Parkhead.
Hutton admitted Howe looked to be playing a waiting game with the Bhoys.
However, he insisted the Glasgow giants needed to be more commanding in negotiations.
Asked who he thought was to blame, Hutton told Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge: “I think it’s a bit of both. Obviously, only Eddie Howe will know what his other options were, if there were any.
“Maybe he was holding out to wait and see what happened in the summer. I think, Celtic are just as bad as well. They sometimes should really take the bull by the horns and say: ‘No, this is our man. We want him now.’
“Give him guarantees that if you come in and sign on the dotted line, we will get the backroom staff you want when they’re available. Tie him down and get him through the door early on so he can start the process of building his new squad.
“Whoever comes in is going to have to do that. The longer that goes on, the more difficult it gets for the next guy who’s going to be in charge. So I think both sides can take some of the blame, definitely, on this one.”
As revealed by Football Insider, Ange Postecoglou is set to become the new Celtic boss.
The Hoops have agreed a six-figure compensation fee with Yokohama F. Marinos to buy the 55-year-old out his contract.
In other news, Celtic have moved to sign Premier League 24-year-old who’s just had the best season of his career.