Peter Whittingham's No.7 shirt will be hanging in Cardiff City's dressing room at every home and away match this season, Steve Morison has revealed.
The club announced on Wednesday they have retired the iconic number which was adorned by Whittingham in honour of the man and the legacy he built at the club.
However, Whittingham's presence will very much be felt by the players this season, who will have his famous shirt hanging next to their own in the dressing room for the 2022-23 campaign.
READ MORE: Cardiff City 2022/23 squad numbers revealed as Peter Whittingham's iconic No.7 shirt is retired
"When we were doing the squad numbers, me and the staff spoke and I brought to the table about not giving anyone the 7 shirt and everyone was unanimous that we thought it was a really good idea," Morison said of the idea. "The board agreed it was a great gesture and one we should do for the football club.
"It was a great opportunity for us to do that and I thank the club, the board and Vincent for allowing us to do that, because it's a big number as well. I think it's the right thing to do.
"He’ll be with us every week. We have added to that with the fact there will be a home and away shirt printed with his name and number and will be hanging in the dressing room with us home and away. It's a really poignant moment."
For Joe Ralls, who is the only player remaining to have played with Whitts at Cardiff, it is particularly poignant.
Given his No.8 shirt will be hanging right next to Whittingham's No.7 jersey, the Bluebirds captain admits it will be a bit surreal seeing his old pal's vacant top beside his own.
However, he believes the gesture could give Cardiff that extra impetus or injection of motivation before each match.
"It means a lot to me, to have his number hanging next to me," Ralls said of the decision. "I sat next to him in the changing room for a number of years. To have him next to me as No.8 and No.7, it’ll be a strange feeling. It’s still surreal a little bit.
"If you need that edge to go out there and perform, seeing his name up there in the changing room will give us an extra edge this season."
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