It was set to be the hot debate at the end of the season - irrespective of how it ended - but this week Hull City have punctured the potential for debate by tying Nick Barmby up to a new one-year deal.
Barmby has had something of an Indian summer this year after missing most of last year's campaign before gatecrashing the play-offs, scoring in both legs of the semi final. Although he is 35, it's hard to remember that Barmby is a veteran due to his impish style, boyish looks and even due to his speaking voice's lack of gruffness.
This season there have been occasions where Barmby's endeavour has shown the rest of the squad - be they growing talents or established stars - how it should be done. Certainly he has looked close to Michael Turner and Richard Garcia as our single most impressive performer of 2009, which is a poisoned chalice due to the dramatic collapse in form but has nevertheless highlighted where Barmby's attitude has been carefully positioned.
There are cynics of course, and Barmby has had them rallying against him ever since he joined Hull City when we were fresh to League One in 2004. The latest brand of cynicism is the familiar old story of suddenly being able to play - and play well - when a new deal is needed at the end of the season. Barmby isn't perfect - he has a poor injury record, a rather sullen disposition at times and has felt the benefit of a blinded national media assuming he has played a bigger role in City's rise and rise than he really has - but even the locals who wondered whether this Hull-born lad really felt any empathy towards his hometown club (the one he refused to join as a schoolboy as Lilleshall and Tottenham Hotspur beckoned) when he pitched up from a bankrupt Leeds United and took our breath away must now have let their fears rest.
A season in the Premier League can do wonders for a player's reputation, and whether it's Premier League or Championship football for the Tigers next season, there will be a distinct comfort in knowing Barmby will be involved in it once more.
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