Aston Villa director General Charles Krulak has branded some fans "vipers" for turning on the board.
Chairman Randy Lerner and chief executive Paul Faulkner have been interviewing candidates to replace Martin O'Neill as boss.
Ex-Liverpool chief Gerard Houllier is favourite for the job.
But fans are underwhelmed by lower-profile candidates and voiced concern about Lerner's spending and commitment.
But Vietnam veteran Krulak said: "Some fans have turned on Randy like pit vipers, a man who has done more for Villa in four years than most in 40."
