The situation, therefore, still remains serious, with the next few weeks proving pivotal. We still think, however, that an eventual compromise will be reached, as both sides will be hard pressed to carry through with their threats.

The pivotal appointment is the next one.

Duncan is still here and wants to have a think about things over the next few weeks. He has had a better week's training this week and he might feel a little bit better. Duncan is an old enough professional to know his body and we will see how he is after the next week or so.

The opportunities and the game situation are going to tell the eventual tale of how many attempts he has. But I'm hoping that it presents itself as much as it did because that means he's getting on base as part of our offense.

I just think we need to let the dust settle over the next few weeks and see how all of this plays out.

That remains one our most serious threats.