Celtic-bound Eddie Howe among favourites for Crystal Palace job

Roy Hodgson’s announcement that the veteran manager is leaving Crystal Palace has added another layer of speculation to the protracted Eddie Howe to Celtic affair.
Eddie Howe (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)Eddie Howe (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Eddie Howe (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Englishman Howe has been in the frame for the Celtic job for much of the season – even while Neil Lennon was still in charge late last year – with claims made early last month a deal had been struck, but no confirmation has followed.

Now despite the reports of an imminent Parkhead move, the former Bournemouth and Burnley boss has been included among the favourites to replace ex-England manager Hodgson at Selhurst Park who will step away from Premier League football at the end of the season.

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Other names linked to Celtic prior to Howe’s emergence of the front-runner including Chris Wilder and Rafa Benitez are also listed among the possible candidates the south London club could turn to according to the bookies.

However Howe remains favourite for the Celtic role at the moment despite the delays to his announcement.

Another theory for the time being taken is linked to former club Bournemouth’s progress in the promotion play-offs.

The Cherries, now led by Jonathan Woodgate, defeated Brentford 1-0 in the first-leg of their semi-final on Monday night with suggestions a deal will be finalised once the south coast club’s future league status and backroom staffing requirements, is clearer.

Howe left the club on August 1 last year after relegation from the English Premier League.

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