By Chris O'Brien
April 15 2005

The departure of Robert Earnshaw could well have cost Cardiff City their Football League Championship status, according to Lennie Lawrence. However, the Bluebirds boss accepts the club had little choice in selling the Zambian-born forward to West Bromwich Albion. Cardiff City boss Lennie Lawrence has singled out the departure of star strike Robert Earnshaw as the key reason the Bluebirds could find themselves in Football League One next season.

With mammoth debts threatening the very existence of the club, City were forced to sell Earnshaw to Premiership new-boys West Bromwich Albion for a fee in the region of £3million. This was despite Sam Hammam promising supporters on numerous occasions that the Zambian-born forward was not leaving Ninian Park.

Since Earnshaw’s move to the Baggies, City have struggled for goals and are in serious danger of relegation. City have missed the potent threat of a consistent goalscorer, with a lack of finishing prowess in the final third a contributing factor to our disappointing season to date.

"We don't deserve to get relegated because our form since December 26 would put us somewhere near halfway in the table. But we're struggling because we haven't scored enough goals. We create enough chances, but only Peter Thorne has a decent goal per game ratio. We miss Earnshaw" said Lawrence.

Nevertheless, Lawrence remained realistic and diplomatic when discussing the transfer. The £3million that West Brom paid for Earnie was invaluable to City, and with his potential undoubtedly saying he could play at the highest level, the move came as no surprise.

"Earnshaw's sale was completed because we needed the money. It was the correct move for his career and for us. It was the right time for him to go."

Earnshaw has become a fan favourite at the Hawthorns, but with the Baggies flirting with relegation and the Welsh international enjoying first-team opportunities only at a premium, his future is uncertain. Glasgow Celtic have been linked with the services of the former Bluebird.