Kanchelskis lands No. 7 shirt

The shirt comes with it's own baggage, having been worn for so long by Saints legend, Matthew Le Tissier.

Ideally the club wanted it to go to the player most like Le Tissier in the squad. However, we don't have another natural genius so there was always going to be a problem.

Marians Pahars and Anders Svensson were good choices but neither of them wanted it.

Fortunately, lack of confidence has never been a problem for Kanchelskis, who has been a key figure in leading Manchester United and Rangers to championship victories.

Let's face it, since neither the club nor Matty wanted the number to be retired someone had to get it.

Andrei is probably the most suitable choice. As in a right sided midfielder with a wide range of creative skills, rather than an out of form right sided midfielder hoping that his talent lasts for a few more seasons.

I thought that the whole shirt retirement thing was silly anyway. We all love Matty, but who's going to tell him we retired the shirt in honour of Terry Paine?

Matty had a laugh at it all too saying :"The Number Seven shirt is not going to know what has hit it when it goes that fast!

"It has never been tested at that speed before. And the club may have to order one a couple of sizes smaller otherwise there could be a fair bit of wind resistance!

"It will seem a bit strange seeing someone else wear that number after having it for so long but I am delighted it has gone to Andrei because he is a quality player.

"I think he is an excellent signing. If he stays fit he will do a great job for us because he is a good crosser of the ball and he knows where the goal is. That is what we need at the moment.

"I remember him having some blinding games against us in the past - it will be great if he can produce that form for us now."

Although I haven't been impressed by Andrei on the last few occasions I've seen him play, I could well be in for a pleasant surprise.

Getting the number seven shirt is a clear indication that the management expect him to play a role on the season and Rupert Lowe said : "He is an established star in his own right with the stature to wear the Number 7 so we felt it was right to offer it to him and were delighted when he accepted.

"He is ideal because he is an entertainer and a right-winger so it all fits nicely and we hope he will grace the Seven shirt and score some goals for us."