Look closely and you can see that Ewald Lienen (left) is not actually Ewald Lienen

It is that time of year where managers stand alongside new signings with a glowing look of pride on their face.

But what if the manager cannot make it? German second-tier club St Pauli have offered a solution to such a dilemma.

In the absence of boss Ewald Lienen, a masked man was used as they paraded new striker Marvin Ducksch.

St Pauli - regarded as a cult club in Germany - posted an image of the mask along with a message reading "a one off" after fans began to ask questions.

Ducksch, a 22-year-old signed from Borussia Dortmund, said he was looking forward to "playing in front of big crowds again".

Meeting his new manager would be a start.