CELTIC have confirmed former Cherries boss Eddie Howe would not be joining them as their new manager “for reasons outwith both his and Celtic’s control”.

Howe was the front-runner to replace Neil Lennon, who resigned in February with Old Firm rivals Rangers well on their way to stopping the Hoops’ quest for a 10th successive Premiership title.

It was widely reported that the hold-up in Howe’s appointment was due to Cherries being involved in the Championship play-offs, with Howe reportedly looking to bring some of the Dorset club’s backroom staff with him to Glasgow.

Celtic this evening released a statement regarding the 43-year-old: “Following very positive and detailed discussions with Eddie Howe, with the belief that he would be an excellent candidate for the position of Celtic manager, we allowed time for the process, given he’d previously made it clear he was not looking to return to management until this summer at the earliest.

“We can now confirm that Eddie will not be joining the club, for reasons outwith both his and Celtic’s control.

“We wish Eddie success for the future.

“As part of the ongoing process we have engaged with a number of candidates.

“We fully appreciate our fans will be seeking clarity on this matter and we aim, very shortly, to announce the appointment of a manager with the quality and desire to take Celtic forward and bring further success to our supporters.”