No-one is disputing his ability, though. The reasoning behind not wanting him back is due to the negative effects it could potentially have on the team spirit, seeing as he was apparently one of those players who wanted out the summer we got relegated. Seeing as the 'senior pros' told those particular players not to come back to the club (I'm assuming this means Barton, Nolan, Smith, Harper etc), and also considering those players have all been integral either on the pitch or in the dressing room, it would be a pretty risky idea.
There isn't sufficient need to chance it and bring him back, imo. We can look elsewhere and hopefully unearth another gem.