---
title: "Celtic: McAvennie makes big Howe claim"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/celtic-mcavennie-makes-big-howe-claim/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Charlie Smith"
section: "Celtic News"
published: "2021-04-23T17:40:42Z"
modified: "2021-04-23T17:40:42Z"
---

# Celtic: McAvennie makes big Howe claim

**Former Celtic man Frank McAvennie believes Eddie Howe no longer wants the Parkhead vacancy.**

The former Bournemouth boss [verbally agreed](https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-howe-reaches-verbal-agreement-with-celtic-after-london-talks/) to become Neil Lennon’s long-term successor, however, the Englishman made a swift [U-turn on a proposed Hoops move](https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-celtic-fear-howe-may-be-having-second-thoughts-after-wonderful-offer/).

\[freshpress-poll id=”351721″\]

Howe’s been one of the main targets linked with Celtic, however, he’s also [spoken to Crystal Palace](https://www.footballinsider247.com/celtic-news-howe-sounded-out-by-palace/) and is of [interest](https://www.footballinsider247.com/celtic-brighton-palace-howe-pursuit/) to fellow Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion.

It seems as if Howe, who has been out of work since [August](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/eddie-howe/profil/trainer/10976), is now a man in demand, but ex-Celtic striker McAvennie doesn’t think he’ll be moving north anytime soon.

McAvennie, taking to [Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/mcavennie-makes-dramatic-howe-claim-after-celtic-u-turn/), was asked if he’s given up hope of the 43-year-old moving to Glasgow.

> “I have but I’m hoping he’s not given up because he’d be great.
>
> “I know he’s not won trophies but he has a chance to do that and raise his profile up here.
>
> “He did so well at Bournemouth, taking them from the fourth division right through to the Premier League.
>
> “I don’t know what’s going on but in my opinion, he doesn’t want it any more. If he did then he’d be here.
>
> “Which is a shame because I wanted to see a bit of fight from him because it’s all just kind of died out.”

\[freshpress-quiz id=”350784″\]

### Transfer Tavern take

It does seem as if the links to Howe have died down following a [statement from his representative](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11787/12268766/eddie-howe-not-close-to-joining-any-club-and-will-delay-return-until-the-summer), who revealed he doesn’t plan to return to the dugout until the summer at the earliest.

In our view, that leaves the Hoops in a tricky situation. Should they put all their eggs in Howe’s basket ahead of the summer only to miss out on his services, it could leave them in a race against time to bring in a new boss for the 2021/22 season.

Howe reportedly had [second thoughts](https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-celtic-fear-howe-may-be-having-second-thoughts-after-wonderful-offer/) on a move to Glasgow, so, to us, that development should spark the Hoops into life in regards to alternative targets.

With a possible rebuild on the cards under new CEO Dominic McKay and a newly created Director of Football role as well, the club cannot afford for the manager saga to drag long into the summer and affect their transfer business.

***In other news: Alan Nixon shares Rafael Benitez to Celtic update, find out more [here](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/celtic-news/celtic-nixon-shares-benitez-update/).***