The Financial Services Authority chairman’s fondness for Manchester City may count against him (along with his lack of football experience) but as Sir Howard enters the last leg of his tenure his name seems to be linked with every high profile post that falls vacant.
Hunting for a replacement for Don Cruickshank when he stands down as chairman of the London Stock Exchange next year? Look no further than Sir Howard.
How about director of London School of Economics? Davies could be your man. And so on.
Sir Howard leaves the FSA in January 2004. So expect more than 12 months of fevered speculation.