WHY Eddie Howe Turned Down Celtic Offer Despite Celtic’s Dire Need for a New Manager Has Now Been REVEALED But Celtic Fans Would Find it Weird because….

Eddie Howe Breaks Silence on Celtic Rejection, Citing Logistical Concerns

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has shed light on his decision to turn down the Celtic managerial role in 2021, dispelling claims that he was intimidated by the pressure associated with the position.

Speaking on Up Front with Simon Jordan, Howe revealed that his inability to assemble his preferred backroom staff was the primary factor in his decision to reject the Celtic offer. This logistical concern ultimately led him to decline the opportunity to manage the Glasgow giants.

In 2021, Celtic were navigating a period of turmoil, having failed to secure their tenth consecutive league title. Neil Lennon’s departure had created a managerial vacancy, and Howe emerged as the leading candidate. However, in May 2021, Celtic announced that Howe had withdrawn from the process due to “reasons outwith both his and our control.”

Addressing the speculation surrounding his decision, Howe stated: “Yeah, so during that period that I’d had out, I’d had a few job offers, but I’d said I’m not considering anything to a year. That year had passed and Celtic came up and I was immediately attracted to the job. I thought, ‘Wow, what an opportunity. What a football club’.”

Howe continued: “Great people as well. The people I met were unbelievable. So there was no downside for me, but I had to get my staff together.” He emphasized the importance of having his trusted backroom staff in place, citing Jason Tindall, Steven Purchase, Simon Weatherstone, and Dan Hodges as key individuals.

In hindsight, Howe’s rejection of the Celtic job paved the way for Ange Postecoglou’s transformative tenure, which yielded multiple league titles and a domestic treble in 2023. Meanwhile, Howe’s decision to wait for the right opportunity ultimately led him to Newcastle United, where he has achieved significant success, guiding the team to a top-four Premier League finish and Champions League qualification.