Celtic-linked boss now favourite for new Championship manager role

Eddie Howe has been linked with many jobs including Celtic's - despite Neil Lennon still being in position at Parkhead (Photo by CLIVE BRUNSKILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

The former Bournemouth and Burnley boss is out of work after leaving Vitality Stadium last year and was widely rumoured to be a target for Celtic during the club’s Autumn struggles.

That saw the Englishman surge to the top of the bookmakers’ markets – despite Neil Lennon still occupying the Parkhead hotseat.

However no managerial changes took place in the east end of Glasgow – though Howe remains out of work, leading to numerous links.

He has also been touted as a potential replacement for Roy Hodgson at Crystal Palace or Steve Bruce at Newcastle but has now emerged as favourite to replace Dean Holden at Bristol City.

The ex-Falkirk midfielder was sacked last night after defeat to Reading left the Robins seven points off the Championship play-off places. Howe is ranked as 4/1 favourite ahead of Mark Hughes, Paul Cook and Danny Cowley.

There is also an SPFL link to the vacancy at city rivals Bristol Rovers where one-time Rangers midfielder Joey Barton and ex-Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson are among the candidates being considered.

Steve Clarke is the current favourite in the ever-changing market to follow Neil Lennon when he does move on from Parkhead. Odds shortened on the Scotland manager last week placing him as the most likely Celtic successor according to the bookies, ahead of Rafa Benitez, Frank Lampard and Howe who has seen his odds drift from odds-on in January to 10/1 this morning.

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