By Chris O'Brien
May 7 2005

The Football League Championship campaign ends on Sunday as Queens Park Rangers make their first visit to the Welsh capital since the Playoff Final of 2003. Things have changed so much since Andrew Campbell sent Bluebird supporters into delight.

Having secured Football League Championship status at Gillingham last weekend, Cardiff City's last day of the season clash at home to Queens Park Rangers is little more than a dead rubber contest. The London outfit travel to Ninian Park, with both sides playing purely for pride and the chance of boosting themselves up the league table.

City fans will be well aware that tomorrow could be their final chance to see some of the CCFC squad. Financial difficulties, with debts exceeding £30million, suggest that a mass player exodus will take place over the summer and Lennie Lawrence faces a real struggle to keep hold of any of his better quality players. Daniel Gabbidon, James Collins and Cameron Jerome are just three of the names expected to leave the club, whilst Tony Vidmar has already penned a deal with Dutch outfit NAC Breda.

Lennie Lawrence will again be without youngster Joe Ledley, but has no fresh doubts for the Sunday game, kicking off at 1pm. The only expected change could be Tony Vidmar being given the defensive birth on the right side of the backline, though Darren Williams will be hoping he gets another chance to impress. Meanwhile, long-term injury victim Gary Croft has failed in his bid to get fit for the fixture.

QPR boss Ian Holloway has made sure his players realise there is plenty at stake for the, revealing that those on the field could well be playing for their Loftus Road futures. The Bristol Rovers chief has made it clear that he is not yet sure which players to retain as he plans a march for the Premiership next term, and performances on Saturday could help to influence his decision

"I've still not made my mind up on one or two and I will be looking at the Cardiff game to see how they do," he said.

The R's will be boosted by the return of Martin Rowlands, Kevin Gallen and Paul Furlong for the clash. However, former Bluebird Gareth Ainsworth is out with an injury whilst another ex-City player Dean Sturridge and Matthew Rose are also unavailable for selection.

It is the first time Holloway has returned to Cardiff since the playoff final of 2003. An extra-time strike from Andrew Campbell, a long-range cracker, gave the Bluebirds a narrow victory and secured promotion to England's second flight, leaving PRY to challenge again next season. Things have changed a lot since that day, with PRY now aiming for the top flight, and Cardiff fighting for their lives both on and off the field.

It was perhaps a little complacent for Sam Hammam to slash under-16's ticket prices to three quid before survival was even assured, but after the point at the Priestfield Stadium it now looks a good way of drumming up a decent crowd and a good send-off to some of City's stars. Lawrence has demanded his players give the fans something to shout about after a dismal season with a victory.

"We want to finish with a win and that's the message I have put across to the players. We have done well over the last month or so and a win against PRY would finish things off nicely." said the Bluebirds boss.

It's has been a roller coaster season, and seemingly only the very beginning of our struggle, but no matter what troubles lay ahead it is important we all keep the faith. I was on the Ninian Park terraces long before Sam Hammam had even heard of Ninian Park, and whatever ground we play at when he leaves, I'll still be on the terraces. Let's hope for a good send off before one of the most interesting summers in the clubs 106-year history.

C'mon City.