Leeds United chairman Peter Ridsdale criticised David O'Leary's decision to write a book, Leeds United on Trial, claiming he was "stunned by its title and timing".
In an interview with the Times,Ridsdale also claims he was subjected to "appalling, threatening" letters from fans protesting at the sale of Rio Ferdinand to Manchester United.
He said: "It's wrong to say the book did not have an impact on the team's performance. We were top on January 1st and then we had an appalling two months. I don't see the need to write books when you are in a well-paid job".
Ridsdale sacked O'Leary as manager in the summer and brought in Terry Venables, but it was the decision to sell Ferdinand that upset fans. "I've never done a job where I've been insulted so much and it's hard to cope with," he said.
"The letters I've had since Rio Ferdinand left have been appalling, threatening stuff that makes you wonder about people's psychological state. It shocks me that they can be so vitriolic towards me and it's a reminder of how passionate fans can be in a negative way".
He said the job is the "most taxing I've ever had" an admits "you can only do it for so long".
PA