Andy Walker believes Peter Lawwell will leave a strong legacy at Celtic - but insists the outgoing chief "stayed a bit too long".
Lawwell has announced he will step down in June after a 17 years at the Parkhead helm to be replaced by Scottish Rugby's Dominic McKay.
Celtic have won 29 trophies under the 61-year-old's stewardship but he has faced angry protests demanding his resignation this term.
Furious fans have watched their 10 In A Row dream disintegrate as Rangers surge towards the Premiership title.
But Walker reckons some have "completely overstepped the mark".
The former Celtic striker suspects Lawwell will have been wounded by the backlash following an unprecedented era of success but maintains he has led the club well.
"I'm slightly surprised at the timing of the announcement from Celtic," Walker told Sky Sports.
"He's done a lot of good things for Celtic. He's probably stayed a bit too long.
"In recent years it was all about Celtic reaching the 10 In A Row landmark and clearly that has gone wrong this season.
"Celtic are all about memories that are driven by managers and players and, off the park, you absolutely need good governance and a well-led team.
"Peter Lawwell has led a team very well but he's probably been hurt at the level of criticism he has received this season.
"Some of the protests from supporters have completely overstepped the mark."
