What Ferguson does in terms of his own career is his own concern, I'm more concerned with what he actually does and achieves at the club in terms of his role as coach.
I've read he neither liked nor spoke with Benitez. It would not have meant he automatically had to leave his position at Everton, but you would wonder after a succession of managers what added value he has brought to the squad.
He has become a common denominator in a succession of failed set-ups. That's not his fault but at the same time he has had to have played a part.
I don't think there is anything indispensable about him and if it were me, I would be a little uncomfortable if it transpired that managers feel that they are obliged to offer him a role out of well-meaning but misguided sentimentality and because a portion of the fanbase will like it.
So he gets asked to stay on each time and is seemingly glad to accept. It cannot be as the result of any clear process, it just seems to be a reflex action of the new manager. I don't think that Duncan's abilities are so great that manager after manager, all of very different backgrounds, have all reached the conclusion that he cannot be done without.
I like his passion for the club, he speaks well and does some great work with fans. He has a steady income at a place he loves and a job he likes. So in that sense, hats off to him. He doesn't have to try pastures new.
It's more what he tangibly offers to the club that's in question. We are over-laden with sentiment and jobs for the boys meaning little or no accountability.
In the final analysis if Lampard wanted him gone he would be out. With Brands and Walsh being very weak DOFs I don't think his role has been questioned much. Same goes for a succession of failed managers none of whom have been able to stamp any authority on the club.
If Lampard can assert himself and buy time, that may change.