Kris Commons has branded Celtic's managerial situation a "farce", as he warned Eddie Howe will forever face the wrath of Dermot Desmond.
The former Bournemouth boss was the clear front-runner to replace Neil Lennon at Parkhead, but the deal dramatically collapsed on Friday.
That's led Celtic to turn to Greek-Australian boss Ange Postecoglou, who is in advanced talks to take over.
But Commons believes the failed pursuit of Howe has compounded a miserable campaign, as he predicted that owner Dermot Desmond will be fuming with Howe's volte face.
He wrote in his Daily Mail column: "Celtic's hunt for a new manager has now descended into farce.
"It's been a truly disappointing end to a disastrous season.
"The club will claim they didn't put all their eggs in one basket with Howe - but that's certainly how it looks.
"I don't think anyone should be in a position to reject Celtic.
"Neil Lennon once told me that Dermot Desmond doesn't take kindly to people turning down the Parkhead job or not being fully committed to it.
"Celtic must have known that Howe wanted to bring in his own backroom staff.
"And how on earth has Eddie not spoken to those colleagues and told them Celtic are on board and that there is the chance to win titles, trophies and become legends?
"What has changed? It's a strange, strange situation."
And Commons has been left underwhelmed by the decision to turn to Postecoglou, a manager he admits he'd never heard of a few days ago.
He continued: "Now Plan B is the Australian Ange Postecoglou.
"I'd never even heard of the guy, I had to Google him.
"He's a complete unknown who has never done it at this level and who has never been in a dugout with the kind of pressure you face at Celtic.
"It's very risky when the pressure is next season, knowing Rangers are in a very strong position with a settled backroom staff and a core group of young, hungry players.
"In contrast, Celtic are now dancing around for a manager who a lot of supporters will be saying: 'who is this guy?'."
