You would never have guessed it from the PR man's doleful expression as he faced the tv cameras, but Sainsbury had something to smile about this week. How long is it since you could say that? For the decision to parachute the multiple's best known old boy, Sir Peter Davis, back into Stamford Street could turn out to be the multiple's smartest move for many a long day. Mind you, given that one of the most distinguished of our multiple leaders once told me that 10 years is long enough to be at the top of a major chain, and 11 years is far too long, he's a lot to prove. But it was Sir Peter's eventful decade at Sainsbury, from 1976 to 1986, that was recalled by so many this week as they joined the speculation about just how he will restore the fortunes of what was the country's most profitable retailer and the darling of the middle classes. As more baseball-capped, www.com whizzkids slide into the top seats at our major firms, the appearance of an opera-loving, 58-year-old potential saviour in a well-pressed dark suit might send some modern-day marketing gurus into paroxysms of mirth. Yet, judging by the comments gleaned from them by an eager media this week, there is healthy respect for a guy who came up from the ranks as a General Foods marketer and sharpened his retailing fangs while with those long-forgotten names of Key Markets and David Greig. Sir Peter knows there have been endless inquests into just where Sainsbury has gone wrong in its struggles against Tesco. Now, with the mighty Wal-Mart/Asda combo snapping at its heels, not to mention a European predator prowling Stamford Street's back alleys, he will need to proffer his personal trading skills pretty quickly. The City has welcomed his appointment. But, in truth, he faces one hell of a task. And while it could be months before we see the initial results of his labours, the betting is that he's the right man for the job. By calling in The Man from the Pru, hopeful Sainsbury chairman Sir George Bull has given appropriate new meaning to the phrase "taking out insurance". Clive Beddall, Editor {{OPINION }}

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