Goals ace Robert Earnshaw is flying in from North American to take part in what he describes as ‘a special day for the Bluebirds’.
‘Earnie’, one of a select group of players to have scored more than 100 goals for Cardiff City, is returning from Vancouver to play in Kevin McNaughton’s testimonial match.
He is among a number of club legends who will be back at Cardiff City Stadium, including Andy Legg and Craig Bellamy.
Super Kev’s match is being played on Sunday, March 26 (3pm) and current Bluebirds’ first team players Joe Ralls and Craig Noone are among those who will be involved.
‘Earnie’ was known for his extravagant goal celebrations, which started with his somersault and developed through imitating a singer, matador, gold digger, juggler and more.
And he’s pledged to come up with something special for McNaughton’s match, saying: “I’d love to work on a celebration with Kevin in case either of them score.
“Okay, if Kevin gets one it will be a miracle because I can’t remember him scoring in training, let alone a match. But we’ll do our best to make sure he does get one – and we’ll have a celebration routine ready.”
Scottish international McNaughton, who now plays for Scottish Premier League Inverness Caledonian Thistle, did net two goals for Cardiff, one in the League and another in the FA Cup, but Earnshaw was not involved in either match.
“Kevin was a great team-mate and a fantastic guy to have in and around the dressing room,” says Earnshaw. “He gave everything he had whether it was a training session or a match.
“He is always committed to do his best at whatever he is trying to achieve, but the best thing I can say about him is that he is a great person.
“Kevin always had time for other people. He loved Bluebirds fans and they loved him.
“He always had a great rapport with the supporters. They took to him because he always gave 100 per cent for the club.”
Earnshaw, the only player to have scored hat-tricks in the Premier League, all three Football League divisions, FA Cup, League Cup and international football, has been head coach for the Vancouver Whitecaps under-15 team since retiring from playing a year ago.
He is looking forward to playing at Cardiff City Stadium again, saying: “It’s Kevin’s day, of course, but it’s also a big Cardiff City day.
“The two go hand-in-hand. There are plenty of players coming back to join Kevin and the supporters will love to see them all again.
“On a personal note, I am going to enjoy the occasion. It’s been a while since I was back at the club and I didn’t really have a chance to say goodbye to the fans after either of my two spells.
“The energy of Cardiff City fans has always been special and I can’t wait to be out there playing in front of them again.”
Standard tickets for the match are £10 with concessions available and can be purchased via the Cardiff City ticket website: https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cardiffcity/details/event.aspx?itemref=5452
The Ticket Office telephone number is 0845 345 1400.
The list of players confirmed so far is: Ben Turner, Joe Ralls, Stephen Thompson, Andy Campbell, Craig Bellamy, Ross O’Donaghue, Darren Mackie, Darren Purse, Lee Naylor, Don Cowie, Roger Johnson, Joe Lewis, Matthew Pritchard, Jordon Mutch, Paul Parry, Jon Parkin, Craig Conway, Craig Noone, Robert Earnshaw, Andy Legg, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Michael Chopra, Jason Mohammad.
