Pundit Kevin Phillips has shared when he feels Celtic will officially announce Eddie Howe as their new manager.
The Lowdown: Howe finalising his backroom staff?
The former Bournemouth boss has been heavily linked with a move to Parkhead, however, there have been a few bumps along the way.
Howe reportedly verbally agreed on a move to Glasgow before having second thoughts and then speaking to Crystal Palace.
He’s not the front runner to become Roy Hodgson’s successor, though, with Sean Dyche reportedly leading the way there, and it’s been reported that he is now looking to finalise his backroom staff ahead of a Scotland switch.
The Latest: Phillips drops 'definite' claim
The Hoops only have two games remaining in the Scottish Premiership, with John Kennedy taking interim charge following Neil Lennon’s resignation back in February.
Howe’s representative confirmed the earliest the 43-year-old would return to the dugout would be the summer, and Phillips feels an official announcement could be made on the last weekend of the season.
Phillips, 47, talking to Football Insider, said:
“I think Kennedy will see the season out.
“They’ll keep it quiet. There’s no rush to make an announcement now. Just get everything sorted with the plans for his arrival, if it is to be Eddie Howe.
“Maybe they can make the announcement on the last weekend of the season. This has been mooted for a long time and it won’t be a surprise when it is announced.
“But it will definitely be the last weekend of the season.”
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The Verdict: Timing doesn’t work for McKay
We don’t agree with Phillips on this one, as certain dates don’t seem to add up.
Howe reportedly wants to bring members from Bournemouth’s coaching staff with him to Parkhead, however, the likes of Stephen Purches and Stephen Weatherstone are currently busy preparing for the Cherries’ push for promotion to the Premier League through the playoffs.
The Championship semi-final second legs are played on May 22, with the final on May 29, whereas Celtic’s last game of the season is against Hibernian on May 15.
Going off those dates, we’d be very surprised if the Hoops and Howe managed to sort out deals for Purches and Weatherstone in time for the final weekend of Celtic’s campaign.
New Celtic CEO Dominic McKay may have to remain patient, but hopefully, their patience will ultimately pay off in the long run.
In other news: Alan Nixon drops 11-word Celtic admission on Eddie Howe, find out more here.