It has now been two arduous months since Neil Lennon left Celtic behind but the Bhoys are no closer to announcing who his successor will be.
Parkhead is turning into a barren wasteland of disappointment but the arrival of a new manager could sprinkle the stardust needed to re-energise the entire football club.
What’s the word?
Eddie Howe has been the favourite to be appointed for a while now but another manager they’ve had on their radar has been Jesse Marsch.
The American is currently in charge of RB Salzburg in Austria and has openly admitted in the past that it’s an honour to be linked with the Celtic role.
A move hasn’t materialised but it could after worrying quotes for Salzburg supporters emerged courtesy of their sporting director, Christoph Freund.
He said: “He [Marsch] has a quiet environment, loves working with young players. He has a lot of fun in Salzburg, his family feels good, we are successful.
“On the other hand, I cannot say with 100% [certainty] that he will be my coach next year.
“No club has registered [their interest] yet. Jesse is good here, but we know that he only has a one-year contract. Some clubs have their eyes on him.”
Surprise twist on the cards?
Celtic haven’t had it all their own way in their hunt to find a new manager.
Howe has been in advanced talks but problems continue to mount over the backroom staff he wants to bring with him to Paradise.
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The 43-year-old doesn’t want to return to football until the summer while he’s also being courted by Crystal Palace and Brighton.
Unfortunately, Marsch is also attracting plenty of suitors.
RB Leipzig are reportedly interested in him but with Freund admitting he doesn’t know whether the 47-year-old will stay, it opens the door for Celtic to re-enter the market for him.
Marsch is honoured by their interest and does genuinely seem appealed by the project in Glasgow.
That being said, there would have to be a considerable change in feeling from a few months ago.
Despite recognising that Celtic wanted him, it was revealed by journalist Christian Falk that Marsch wouldn’t be going to Scotland.
According to Freund, though, conversations haven’t even taken place over whether he’ll be in Salzburg next term or not.
For the Hoops, he would be a superb appointment. He is used to dominating his league and also catching the eye in Europe; running Liverpool close during a 4-3 defeat at Anfield in October 2019.
With Celtic so often the dominant force domestically, they need someone who can not only gain results in that regard but also impress on the continental stage.