48-Year-Old Manager Tipped For Celtic Job After Brutal Run: Should Celtic Change Their Recruitment Model For Him? | OneFootball

Celtic face a managerial question after a miserable September run, with former Newcastle boss Eddie Howe discussed as a possible replacement for Martin O’Neill. The 48-year-old remains without a club after leaving St James’ Park this summer, ending five years at St James’ Park. Howe’s Newcastle side reached the Champions League during his tenure.

Celtic’s situation has changed sharply in recent weeks. O’Neill’s side lost 3-0 to Rangers, then suffered a 3-1 home defeat against Ferencvaros in the Europa League. A second Rangers loss followed at Parkhead, with Ryan Naderi settling the Premiership meeting on September 20. O’Neill subsequently said he would reflect on his future, while chief executive Michael Nicholson later backed the manager.

Eddie Howe emerges as Celtic option

Against that backdrop, Howe’s name has gained attention. Marvin Bartley, who knows Howe from their time together, told Clyde 1 Superscoreboard that he would not be surprised if the Englishman took the Celtic job. Bartley argued that Howe enjoys big clubs and could value Celtic’s size and project.

Bartley told Clyde One Superscoreboard: “I wouldn’t be as surprised as others if Eddie Howe ended up at Celtic. Yes, he’s from the south of England, but he loves that big club feel. When he went to Newcastle, I don’t think he realised how big they were. Celtic are a different level from them. I think that sort of thing could interest him. I don’t think his next move will be based purely on finances; it will be the size of the club and the project and if he’s going to be given all the keys to go and sign the players he wants and not be told who to sign. He needs to be a manager; he won’t accept being a head coach. He already spends a lot of time in Scotland playing all the golf courses.”

There is history here. Celtic held detailed talks with Howe in 2021 and expected him to take charge, yet the move collapsed before an appointment. BBC Sport reported that the make-up of his backroom team may have contributed, while RTÉ reported that Howe could not secure the staff he wanted to bring with him. Celtic eventually appointed Ange Postecoglou.

Howe later guided Newcastle into the Champions League. His methods could appeal to Celtic, especially with the club needing a response after a difficult European start.

Should Celtic change their recruitment model for Howe?

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 24: Eddie Howe, Manager of Newcastle United, looks on prior to the Premier League match between Fulham and Newcastle United at Craven Cottage on May 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Peter Nicholls/Getty Images)

For Celtic, the key issue involves how much control a manager receives over recruitment and staff.

Bartley believes Howe would want authority to choose his players and operate as a manager rather than a head coach. Celtic therefore face a clear structural question. The club spent years developing a recruitment model involving executives, scouting and data, and abandoning it could create wider consequences.

My view is that Celtic should keep the structure intact. Howe’s record makes him a candidate, yet the club should demand cooperation with its sporting framework rather than hand one manager complete control. Matthias Jaissle’s Newcastle appointment shows the market still values coaches who can work within organised sporting structures, while Celtic need tactical improvement without creating another boardroom dispute.

If Howe accepts those boundaries, the conversation becomes different. If he requires sweeping authority again, Celtic should keep their model and search elsewhere.