Why get Eddie Howe when we have our own howegenius waiting in the wings
Eddie Howe has emerged as the front runner for the Crystal Palace manager's job but why when we have our own equivalent more than keen to take on the role in Dougie Freedman.
If you look at how Howe got involved at Dean Court it is fairly similar to Freedman at Palace. Howe joined the coaching set up at Bournemouth in 2006 when he was 29-years-old as player-coach by then manager Kevin Bond. He then progressively
worked his way up to manager in 2008 after being youth team coach and caretaker manager.
As a player Howe played over 200 times for the Cherries, Freedman made over 300 for Palace, before he was forced to retire early after failing to recover form a knee injury. And as a manager Howe's record since taking the reigns is exceptionable especially with all the difficulties surrounding the club when he took charge.
There is no doubt in my mind that Howe will do well in South London if appointed but I just feel it will be a missed opportunity with Freedman. One thing stalling Steve Parish and the rest of the board in committing to Freedman is his lack of experience - well he didn't display any signs of that in the 1-0 home victory over Preston.
For me his lack of experience is not an issue - look what he went through as assistant with Paul Hart last year and George Burley this season he must have already learnt an invaluable amount.
Instead of pinching Howe from Bournemouth we should look at the way they built the club with him. They are so proud of what they have achieved under one of the youngest managers in the football league. I truly believe that is something we can have under Freedman and maybe even better.
Personally I naively feel we are in no threat of being relegated this season and that is why I think it is a great time to build a team that we can be proud of and one that would flourish under a clever, young and ambitious manager.
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