Leicester's manager Martin O'Neill opted for a waiting game rather than an end game yesterday by announcing that he intended to remain at Filbert Street for the time being at least.
If his natural inclination was to offer his resignation in response to the unedifying boardroom battle which has divided his club's hierarchy, it was one the 47-year-old Irishman resisted. For precisely how long remains to be seen.
O'Neill's dissatisfaction is such that he will not hesitate to reassess his situation unless peace swiftly breaks out at a club which has been racked by internal divisions over the past 12 months.
Leicester are in the throes of an ugly, highly public power battle as the so-called "Gang of Four" - a group of directors led by the chief executive Barrie Pierpoint - attempt to wrest control from the chairman John Elsom and Sir Rodney Walker, who is chairman of City's plc arm.
O'Neill and Pierpoint share absolutely no common ground and what yesterday's display of diplomacy could not conceal is the inescapable fact that Leicester will lose their manager if Sir Rodney and Elsom are vanquished.
Yesterday, some 48 hours after admitting he was seriously considering his future, O'Neill gave his full support to Sir Rodney and Elsom - a move which many will see as akin to tossing a gauntlet into Pierpoint's office.
"In his short time as chairman of the football side John Elsom has always had the interests of the club at heart, something which was demonstrated clearly by his determination not to let me talk to Leeds United when I did want to," said O'Neill.
"I have an excellent working relationship with him and I would be very disappointed if that did not continue."
Earlier in the week, Pierpoint announced to the Stock Exchange that both Sir Rodney and Elsom had resigned - both men immediately denied it - after walking out of a board meeting. "It seems that Sir Rodney and John are adamant that they have not resigned, and I very much hope that is the case," said O'Neill.
Sir Rodney yesterday revealed he is to take part in an informal meeting of all the club's directors in an attempt to resolve the situation.
"I was approached by Gilbert Kinch, a member of the so-called Gang of Four, seeking talks to sort this out," he said. "I welcome this approach and I hope to take part in face-to-face talks shortly." He added: "The eventual outcome of my future at Leicester City is frankly of little importance. I shall, however, continue as long as I am allowed to seek to bring an end to the lunacy emanating from Leicester City at this time."
