SAINTS legend Franny Benali has been named as the first recipient of the club’s Forever Saint award.

The former left-back was presented with the award on St Mary’s pitch at half-time of the Premier League contest with Manchester United on Sunday.

Since finishing his football career, Benali has gone on to raise more than £1m for Cancer Research UK through a series of charity endurance challenges.

The club have revealed that they will present more award winner at home matches throughout the 2021/22 season, celebrating contributions made to the club and community by ex-players, club servants and community champions.

Fifty-two year-old Benali made 389 appearances for Saints between 1988 and 2004, before following that with Benali’s Big Run, Benali’s Big Race and IronFran between 2014 and 2019.

Between the challenges, Benali ran several thousands of miles between Premier League and Championship football stadiums, and attempting attempted seven IronMan triathlons in as many days.

In December 2019, he was appointed as an MBE in the New Year’s Honours list.