Cardiff City Squad Review (11/12): Rob Earnshaw

A brief look at the individual contributions of all the major Cardiff City players over the course of the 2011/12 season. The 'rating` as given is not purely based on performance but more the impact that player had compared to what we could realistically have expected at the start of the year and given their own standards and reputation.


10 - Robert Earnshaw

he return of the prodigal son was emotional, and was wrapped up even before Mackay was installed in a move surely designed to replace the problematic Michael Chopra with another proven Championship goalscorer. Aside from the attraction of seeing former favourite Earnie back at the club, his exploits for Forest suggested he remains a potent force and always has goals in him.

Unfortunately, Earnshaw simply wasn`t a fit for Malky Mackay`s Cardiff City and after starting the first few games, he was dropped - barely to feature again - save for an FA Cup outing (marked with a goal) and a handful of subs appearances late in the season where he tried so hard to make an immediate impact, that he wasted his chances.

It was really unfortunate for Earnshaw, and he conducted himself with impeccable professionalism despite the huge frustration he must have felt. He is still a Cardiff City legend, but as a high earner and barely getting a look-in last year, it seems the return may only last a year and Earnie could make a second exit from his boyhood club - this time knowing he will never return. You can`t fault his effort, conduct or goalscoring record. Simply, he`s a player that needs to be utilised in a certain way and that was a style we couldn`t accommodate.

Season`s Rating: 4/10

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