The 2003-04 campaign was a thrilling return to the big time for Cardiff City, with The Bluebirds securing a respectable 13th-place finish in the First Division in their first season back in the second tier. Spearheading the attack was the sensational homegrown hero Robert Earnshaw, whose prolific form saw him bag 21 league goals and smash club records, providing moments of pure excitement for the Ninian Park faithful. Under manager Lennie Lawrence, and with the drive of captain Graham Kavanagh and the defense marshaled by Danny Gabbidon, this season of consolidation was a vital, hard-fought chapter that laid the groundwork for the Bluebirds' future ambitions.