EDDIE HOWE presided over more than 450 games in two spells at Bournemouth which spanned more than a decade. But what clues can be gleaned from that glut of games with a view to deciphering how he might choose to line-up should agreement be reached on a deal to take him to Celtic.
How Celtic could look if Eddie Howe takes charge
We told you how the former LMA manager of the year had emerged as the leading contender to be next Hoops boss and was seriously considering the idea of continuing his career north of the border.
Moving to Parkhead would represent huge upheaval, of course, for a man who has only managed two clubs in the English system – in two stints at Bournemouth either side of an 18-month spell at Burnley.
But having taken the Cherries to three promotions, five years in the English top flight and a ninth-place Premier League finish, it would be the kind of move which could capture the imagination of the Hoops fans.
With Nicky Hammond leaving the club, Howe’s arrival – if confirmed – would be only one strand in a new broom at the club this summer.
A new chief executive in Dominic McKay is coming in along with a new director of football and new boss – not to mention a large number of new players.
Here SunSport gazes into the crystal ball and considers who he could turn to if he is handed the keys to Parkhead.
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Asmir Bsgovic is an experienced campaignerCredit: AFP or licensors
Asmir Begovic
CELTIC probably need a goalkeeper – again. Unless, that is, Howe could be convinced to tie his fortunes to either Connor Hazard, Scott Bain or Vasilis Barkas.
If ever there is a position to bring in your own men it is in goal, though.
And – resale value or not – Howe could do worse than make a pre-contract offer to Bournemouth’s experienced Bosnian stopper Asmir Begovic.
The former Chelsea man is out of contract in the summer and if the Cherries can’t win promotion, he could be a perfect safe pair of hands at Parkhead.
Stephen Welsh
The 21-year-old Scot has acquitted himself well in adversity at Parkhead this season.
It would be a shame if the arrival of a new manager saw his progress stall entirely.
While there is a case for fielding a more attack-minded player in this position, Welsh is naturally right sided, good on the ball and an excellent one-on-one defender.
Steve Cook was Bornemouth’s captain and mainstay and is out of contract this summerCredit: Rex Features
Steve Cook
The speculation about Kris Ajer leaving Parkhead shows no signs of relenting.
And if there is one area of the team where Howe would need to leave his stamp it is at the back.
Cook, a virtual ever-present throughout Bournemouth’s five years in the English top flight, was the kind of character who set the standards.
While Howe at one stage criticised him for calling out his team-mates a bit too vociferously, he is out of contract in the summer and still only 29.
There would be no sell-on value for the Hoops but Howe would need people he can trust to implement his ideas.
Christopher Jullien
The Frenchman was last spotted back near Paris in a walking boot.
It remains to be seen precisely how much longer he will be on the sidelines, but the former Toulouse star will have designs on being as close to ready as possible for the beginning of the season.
Still has plenty to offer and a contract until 2023.
Unlikely to be used in a back three any more with Howe tending to be wedded to a 4-4-2 or a 4-4-1-1/4-2-3-1 shape.
Matt Ritchie in action for NewcastleCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Matt Ritchie
Left back is an area of flux in this Celtic team.
Greg Taylor is a Scotland international who hasn’t let anyone down when he has played.
Diego Laxalt is capable but has only been a qualified success since arriving from AC Milan on-loan – where he is likely to return this summer.
Then there is Boli Bolingoli, who will return to the club himself from Turkish football this summer.
Howe could take a shine to any of them but Celtic still seem like they are searching for something here and Matt Ritchie is one of Howe’s mainstays from Bournemouth.
Lined up as a left wing back for Newcastle, where he still has a contract until 2023, but was close to a return move to Bournemouth this January.
Delivers a great dead ball and could be attracted to a fresh challenge – particularly if Newcastle are relegated.
Liam Shaw is joining on a cut price cross-border deal from Sheffield Wednesday
Liam Shaw
Quietly snapped up from Sheffield Wednesday, Celtic feel Liam Shaw has a big future in the game.
Howe is the kind of manager who likes to cultivate young talent – something which will no doubt have endeared him to the Parkhead board.
A rangy player who can operate in defence or midfield in the form of Scott McTominay, Shaw could play the kind of role someone like Harry Arter used to for Bournemouth.
With Ismaila Soro another mdifield option, Shaw is also capable of dropping in as centre back – where his mobility would be an asset.
Callum McGregor
There is an assumption that the Celtic and Scotland mainstay is a man who the Hoops should build around.
It would certainly take a king’s ransom to prise him away, with McGregor in possession of a contract which takes him through to 2024.
A hard worker and a creative influence, Howe would have to go far and wide to find a better midfielder than him.
Similar in role and quality to Jack Wilshere, who is another former Howe signing who could be available on a free transfer this summer.
James Forrest’s return could be like a new player for the Hoops
James Forrest
Has been on the sidelines a long time – but one man that any new Hoops boss is sure to have an eye on when they arrive at the club.
There is a pace and directness to the Scotland man’s game which Howe used to great effect with Bournemouth.
Should fit the bill – if he can stay fit.
David Turnbull
Form has possibly just shaded in recent weeks, but the ex-Motherwell midfielder is a huge talent who makes the difficult parts of the game look easy.
While Howe often went with two more out-and-out strikers – a role off the striker seems like the best place to situate Turnbull.
Again, the chance to nurture a talent such as him should appeal to a man who has helped cultivate the likes of Ryan Fraser and Nathan Ake.
Harry Wilson was a huge hit under Eddie Howe
Harry Wilson
Mohamed Elyounoussi is likely to return to Southampton at the end of his loan deal.
Ryan Christie could come to the attention of English giants if he is a strong Euro 2020.
And it remains to be seen if Mikey Johnston can hold down a regular first team spot.
So the wide left spot in next season’s Hoops team is up for grabs.
Christie’s Scotland team-mate Ryan Fraser at one point had this spot sewn up in Howe’s Bournemouth side and the Hoops also held an interest before he moved to Newcastle United.
All bets will be off on Fraser – contracted until 2025 – should Newcastle go down but Howe also got good results from Harry Wilson on a loan-spell on the south coast.
He could be back shopping in that type of market this summer – especially if Celtic land some high-profile sales first.
Callum Wilson
It is anybody’s guess what happens up front with Celtic this season, where Howe at times has gone with two up top.
It would be financial suicide to keep Odsonne Edouard if he is not prepared to sign another deal – while the futures of Albian Ajeti, Leigh Griffiths and Patryk Klimala are shrouded in mystery.
While all three of those could benefit from a fresh set of eyes, Howe seems likely to conclude that he needs his own target man at the sharp end of the pitch.
Callum Wilson, currently recovering from injury at Newcastle, was one man who Howe swore by, his performances for him earning a £20m move to Newcastle.
While the deal would take some financing, Wilson might be the kind of player the Hoops look to if the Magpies cannot preserve their Premier League status.
Benik Afobe, whose contact is set to expire at Trabzonspor, is another man who could come into consideration.
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