Aston Villa director Charles Krulak has hit back at the Villa fans who were angered by the club approaching Alex McLeish to become their new manager, bitter rivals Aston Villa and Birmingham City are at loggerheads over the Scot.
McLeish resigned as manager of Birmingham City last week and the Blues have now lodged a formal complaint against Villa after accusing them of illegally tapping up their former manager, Villa have been on the hunt for a new boss since Gerard Houllier quit his post at the beginning of June due to health concerns.
Krulak said: "The uproar over McLeish is uncalled for.
"He has proved he can manage in the big leagues - just imagine what he could do if he was with an owner who supported him."
In a message to Villa fans, he said: "You cling to the fact he's seen his lads relegated twice. Well, the first time he was not with the club long enough to make a difference. Secondly, look at the owners he's worked for and support of him monetarily.
"Then look at our owner Randy Lerner and what he provides to his managers.
"Ask Alex Ferguson about the man. We need to do what is right for the club."