Exasperated Kris Commons believes Celtic's recent recruitment record is a major reason why they are 13 points behind Rangers.
Neil Lennon 's side are on the ropes and Sunday's 1-1 draw with St Johnstone leaves them facing a monumental battle to rescue their fading Ten In A Row dreams.
Supporters have called for a change in the dugout but Commons believes the current problems at Parkhead run much deeper than the Irishman's coaching ability.
And Commons has let rip at a recruitment department he believes is in a state of "decay and disrepair" after the club were previously hailed as signing specialists.
Celtic developed the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Moussa Dembele before selling them on for a hefty profit but the 37-year-old believes those halcyon days aren't coming back unless things change.
And Commons believes transfer missteps will continue to happen until the club hold themselves accountable over a string of flop arrivals.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, he said: "Fans are entitled to ask how did it come to this? How can things have soured so badly to the extent that a club legend like Lennon is being hounded out the door?
"The board have to shoulder a large share of responsibility. They are as culpable at anyone. They've been asleep at the wheel in recent seasons and are now paying the price for their complacency.
"The recruitment has been absolutely abysmal. It's not that Celtic haven't spent money. They have spent plenty. It's how they've spent it that's been the problem.
"This season has seen them fork out a £2million loan fee for Shane Duffy, with a hefty pay packet to boot. A combined £10m was spent on Vasilis Barkas and Albian Ajeti.
"None of them looks up to scratch. Who sourced these players? There has to be some accountability in the recruitment department.
"That's been the problem at Celtic for far too long. Too many players signed for decent money who just patently aren't good enough.
"Boli Bolingoli. Patryk Klimala. Ismaila Soro. Vakoun Bayo. Going back to my own time at the club, you had the likes of Derk Boerrigter being signed for £3m.
"Sure, they've occasionally hit the jackpot with the likes of a Virgil van Dijk, a Moussa Dembele or even a Victor Wanyama.
"But the club have also signed a fair amount of dross in the same period. The recruitment side of the club has been in a state of decay and disrepair for years.
"And in modern football, recruitment is everything. The model for clubs like Celtic is obvious buy low, sell high.
"That's how to market yourself to new, exciting young players. If they join the club and give two or three years of good service, they'll get a big move like Van Dijk, Wanyama or Dembele.
"Celtic's recent transfer market record shows scandalous neglect on an industrial scale. Ultimately, the board have to carry the can for that."
