Forerunner, harbinger (9)
I believe the answer is:
precursor
I believe this clue is a double definition.
'forerunner' is the first definition.
(synonyms)
'harbinger' is the second definition.
(synonyms)
(Other definitions for precursor that I've seen before include "I was here first" , "harbinger of what is to follow" , "Forerunner, predecessor" , "Herald" , "Man coming before me" .)