Split loyalties for Rob Earnshaw ahead of Cardiff v Norwich

The Welsh international played 169 matches for Cardiff across two spells, scoring 82 times, and represented the Canaries 47 times, recording 27 goals between 2006 to 2007 before earning a move to the Premier League with Derby. 

Earnshaw's spell in Norfolk was short but sweet, and he explains why he holds both clubs dear as they prepare to face off in the Welsh capital on Saturday. 

“Everybody knows my time at Cardiff, but Norwich is very close to my heart as well because I loved my time there," the former striker said. 

"I had a great time. I really enjoyed playing at the club. I always look out to see how they’re doing, and when this fixture pops up, it is always a good one for me. I’m always looking forward to seeing how both teams do.”

Earnshaw reflects glowingly on his spells with both clubs. In a career that saw him also play for the likes of Nottingham Forest, West Brom, Derby, and Toronto in the MLS, it is in South Wales and Norfolk where he felt at his goal-scoring best. 

His best year for Cardiff came in 2002/03, when he netted 35 goals in all competitions. He was just as prolific at Carrow Road, netting 16 goals by Christmas in the 2005/06 campaign before injury halted his progress. 

“It’s funny; maybe the other thing is that because I was at Cardiff for longer so people know a little bit more, but the thing I always say is that my consistency or where I felt that I was in my best goal-scoring rhythm was at Norwich and Cardiff.

"One year at Norwich, I broke the record for most amount of goals scored at home. I always remember those things, and it was about having that consistency.

"As a forward, you want to score goals, and when you get them regularly, you’re in a great rhythm. I did that at Cardiff, found that rhythm and tried to do that at Norwich.

"When I compare Cardiff, which was longer, to Norwich, I felt really sharp and consistent in a Norwich shirt as well. That’s what you’re trying to find – it’s constantly ‘can I find another one?’.

"It was as if when I put that yellow shirt on at Carrow Road, it felt like I was always going to score. It was the best feeling that I had. I felt calm, composed and it was like ‘just give me the chances’."

Robert Earnshaw hit goal-scoring form during a short but sweet spell at Norwich City. (Image: Newsquest) Earnshaw has watched plenty of his former side under Johannes Hoff Thorup in the Championship and has been impressed by their rapid rate of progress. 

“It’s been good. It was always going to be difficult. Last year was disappointing, both the position in the table and not really challenging the top two. It didn’t work out and so it was always going to be difficult this year.

"They’ve done well with a lot of young players and are looking competitive. Norwich are a team with young and quality players, and I think it’s a team that could definitely challenge.

"They’ve played some really good football. There is some excellent movement with the possession-based football, but they’ve added goals," the Welsh international told the Pink Un.

"The main thing for Norwich is turning draws into wins. They are only five points off second, but they’ve only won four matches. They’ve drawn against Sheffield United, Leeds and Blackburn – three teams in the top six who have started impressively – and Norwich are right there with them.

"Norwich are just under the radar. If they can tweak a few things, shut the back door and with the forward players now, they will score goals. They’ve gone a year at home without losing – it’s huge. Norwich can have a really successful season this year.”

Earnshaw is still remembered fondly for his spells at Cardiff and has watched with frustration at the events that have unfolded in the opening portion of the Championship campaign that left them rooted to the bottom of the table and cost Erol Bulut his job. 

Interim boss Omer Riza has given the Bluebirds some much-needed encouragement and led them to a five-game unbeaten run that has steered them up the Championship table. 

Since he took over, only Sunderland and Leeds have taken more points, and Earnshaw explains the areas he has altered to yield better results. 

“It’s been a crazy four or five months for Cardiff," he said. "In the summer, Erol Bulut’s contract was up, and then, in the off-season, they were trying to plan a squad while discussing a new contract with the manager. That was way too late. Anything like that should have been done four or five months before.

Omer Riza has turned Cardiff City's fortunes around. (Credit: PA)"After a few months, he is out of the door after being given that contract. It’s been a bit of a mess at Cardiff. They’ve made some signings [Anwar] El Ghazi came in and a couple of others became fit – Aaron Ramsey is back training.

"The start of a season was a disaster. They didn’t win, were at the bottom of the league and scored a single goal in their opening six or seven games. They were really struggling.

"Since Omer Riza has come in, he’s pinpointed a couple of things. At the beginning of the season, they were very poor to watch whether they won or not, with no real possession, were poor going forward and conceding goals easily. 

"There was no spark or magic, and that’s what it has been like. It’s been a real change under Omer Riza – they are pressing a bit higher and playing more possession-based football. It’s been a complete change and has brought results.

"They’ve lost one game since he took over and are going for the fourth win in his opening seven games against Norwich. It’s been a complete turnaround and looks much better for them.”

Earnshaw played nearly 200 times for Cardiff across two spells. (Image: PA Images) With Norwich building and Cardiff improving under Riza's management, Earnshaw anticipates a closely fought encounter between the sides this weekend. 

“It’s going to be a really competitive one," Earnshaw said. "If I had to go for a result, I’d go for a 2-2. I’ve got that feeling.

"Norwich can get goals and Cardiff look much better in front of goal, they look more dangerous and will create two or three opportunities in a game.

"I’m going for a draw – that way both teams don’t lose because I don’t want either Norwich or Cardiff to lose, so I hope for an entertaining game for the fans.”