It's only a few weeks since he was told he had no future at the club but Neil Carter has been offered another year's contract by Warwickshire.

Carter, the 32-year-old all-rounder, reacted in the best possible way to his release at the start of August. He maintained his training and, recalled for the Pro-40 match against Lancashire, showed what Warwickshire had been missing with a rapid 92 and some hostile fast bowling.

Though he has played only one County Championship match this season, Carter has special qualities that make him a valuable player. An 'impact batsman' capable of causing destruction as a pinch-hitter, he also adds hostility to an attack that can appear somewhat friendly.

Whether Carter will accept the new offer is another matter entirely.

He was approached by three clubs - Kent, Sussex and Glamorgan - about possible loan deals this season and may decide that the environment at Edgbaston is not as healthy as it might be.

The swift U-turn again highlights the lack of coherent planning at Edgbaston. Carter has had years on the staff and the club should not have required one more good performance to be reminded of his ability.

The fact that the club performed a similar about-face in 2004 will not help.