"?It's never nice to see a player who used to be a stalwart of the first team languish in the reserves, winding down his contract.
But at the same time, emotions have no place in the ruthless world of football and if the man isn't up to the job, then he shouldn't be picked - it's as simple as that.
In the case of Newcastle United defensive midfielder Cheick Tiote, could a second chance be on the horizon?
After failing to land a move away from the club in the January and summer transfer window, Tiote has made just one appearance all season, coming on as a substitute and picking up just 15 minutes of game time.
In fairness, Newcastle's midfield is working well. Jonjo Shelvey has formed a solid relationship with former Arsenal trainee Isaac Hayden, who has settled into his first team role with greater ease than was initially expected of him.
Jack Colback, too, has played well enough whenever Rafa Benitez's rotation system finds him in the first team. So is there really a place for Tiote in the SQUAD, never mind the starting XI?
Benitez certainly thinks his skills can compliment the team, with the "?Chronicle reporting he told the Ivorian to remain patient and wait for his chance.
"He is training really well, so I just told him "?look, just wait a little bit, keep training hard and then we can decide,' because he is a player who still has something to offer," clarified the manager.
The transfer market in Qatar is open until the 20th of October and there have been whispers that Tiote could make a move there - such a possibility has the potential to complicate matters within the squad, as it's always tricky to remain absolutely focused on one club when you could move at a moment's notice.
But if Tiote is ready to play, then there is no reason why he shouldn't be included on the bench. He gives a more aggressive option than Colback and will be particularly useful when trying to lock a game down.
His career had a mini-revival during the final stages of the Premier League last season, and there is no reason why he can't replicate that again.