Celtic have issued a statement on Friday evening confirming Eddie Howe will not become the club's new manager.
The Hoops appeared to be closing on appointing former Bournemouth boss Howe as a replacement for Neil Lennon who resigned on February 24.
Howe was the odds-on favourite with bookmakers to take the reins at Celtic Park but news broke earlier today confirming fans' worst fears, reports Glasgow Live.
The Englishman has decided to pass on the chance to take the Parkhead hot-seat, with the issue of his backroom staff thought to be the sticking point, and now Celtic have issued a statement addressing the subject.
Posted on their official website, it read: "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."
