I know this sounds rational. It will be terrible to watch him leave or, retire. But if we're unconfident when he's in defence, why not move him up into a holding role?
He's massive, and always seems to do well when he goes forward on rare occasions. Maybe push him into midfield for a game or two and see what happens.
If Khaldoon and Cook do read this then the news will eventually filter through to Dunney that we dont have confidence in our captain anymore. To see him go to somewhere like Villa (who have just signed Stephen Warnock so maybe Dunne won't leave). He's been told he has a future here. When he retires, or its his last game for the club we'll give him a really massive send off.
If he does end up on the bench alot, we're lucky to have someone better than he has been for the club in the starting 11. But to have someone of Dunne's stature and folklore credentials on the bench does look good.
He hasn't gone yet so lets see what happens. Good Luck to him and hopefully he'll return as a coach if he returns.