Celtic legend John Hartson insists the pursuit of Eddie Howe as boss has been "messy" as his Parkhead appointment draws closer.
Record Sport understands club bosses hope to begin the big rebuild in the coming days by unveiling Howe – almost two months after the Englishman’s first meeting with billionaire shareholder Dermot Desmond and incoming chief executive Dominic McKay in London.
Despite the step up in summer business in Glasgow's east end, Hartson believes that decisions should have been made sooner with Neil Lennon leaving the hot seat back in February.
With a squad overhaul on the horizon, the Welshman told the Go Radio Football Show that the timeline of the former Bournemouth boss had put the club on the back foot.
He believes the scale of work needed in such a short space spell of time will be a major concern to supporters ahead of the long-awaited appointment.
Hartson said: "This is a unique situation for a club like Celtic.
"There is nobody in charge yet and we are only weeks away from the start of the European playoffs and pre-season friendlies.
"In the last sort of 10 years, Martin O'Neill was in place, Ronny Deila was in place, Gordon Strachan was announced, Neil Lennon was announced after the cup final.
"They have had people in place and been able to put people around them, the board have been happy with the decisions they have made, at this moment in time there is so much work to be done on all fronts.
"They still haven't got a manager. They might have one, he might have signed a contract I don't know, but it's become a bit messy.
"Everybody just wants a bit of clarity."
