Collingwood coach Craig McRae opted not to weigh in to mounting speculation about veteran Scott Pendlebury's future.
Asked to reassure Pies fans about where contract negotiations sit with Pendlebury following Collingwood's loss to Western Bulldogs, McRae would not be drawn on proceedings.
"That's going to take its own course now," McRae said.
"The management was saying they'll speak to it at the end of the season, well, here we are so I assume that will happen reasonably quickly, I don't know.
"It's not my department but I've been having conversations with 'Pendles' throughout that time. I won't project or add opinions to things until they're factual so I'll just give some space on that.
"I've made comments in the last couple of weeks about 'Pendles' and how much we love him and I'll just leave it at that for now."
McRae's vague comments follow Collingwood EGM Charlie Gardner refuting on Fox Footy that the contract negotiations are in a delicate situation.
Pendlebury is being pursued by Gold Coast and retirement is not out of the question with an announcement possible this week.
It follows Jeremy Howe recommitting to Collingwood for another year.
