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‘No Brendan Rodgers’, ‘Myth’: Former Celtic star Kris Commons questions Eddie Howe excitement
If, as looks increasingly likely, Eddie Howe is installed as the new Celtic manager, the vast majority of supporters will be delighted.
Since he was first linked with the club, Howe has been a popular candidate among fans. in February, he was considered a more attractive proposition than Rafa Benitez or Steve Clarke.
With an announcement seemingly imminent, optimism is returning among the support after a disastrous few months, but one former Celtic star has urged caution.
Kris Commons, who won five league titles during his time at the club, believes there are areas in which the 43-year-old is lacking.
The former Parkhead man cited his spending in the transfer market, and suggested that he was not a leader to be spoken about in the same breath as Martin O’Neill or Brendan Rodgers.
Writing in his column, Commons outlined his concerns.
He said: “I understand the excitement.
“Of all the runners and riders who have been mentioned, Howe ticks a lot of boxes.
“He is a young, progressive coach with a history of playing attacking football.
“He’s also a name that will get the fans onside and ensure a spike in season ticket sales.
“But it comes with a caveat. Howe is not the Messiah in the way Martin O’Neill was.
“Nor is he Brendan Rodgers, who revelled in the limelight from the moment he arrived.
“O’Neill and Rodgers were forces of nature throughout their time in Glasgow.
“Their personality and weight of character always gave them a chance of succeeding.
“Howe, by contrast, seems more reserved. He is articulate, but softly spoken. It is difficult to imagine him holding court in the dressing room in the same way O’Neill or Rodgers did.
“During five years in the Premier League under Howe, Bournemouth had a net spend of just over £135m.
“That put them on a par with Chelsea during that same period. Liverpool and Spurs both had a net spend of just over £90m in those same years.
“The idea that Howe worked miracles on a tight budget is a myth. He spent a fortune and often squandered it on poor players.
“He forked out a combined £36m on Liverpool duo Dominic Solanke and Jordon Ibe. Both were expensive flops.
“There have also been questions raised over his ability to manage big characters in a dressing room.”