Geoff Horsfield's departure from The Hawthorns is sure to cause consternation among West Bromwich Albion's supporters with the club precariously poised just above the Premiership relegation zone.

The 32-year-old has joined Sheffield United, who could conceivably swap divisions with Albion next season, on a loan deal until the summer.

However, he will then link up with Neil Warnock's side permanently on a two-year deal with a further 12-month option.

Yet Horsfield's departure leaves Bryan Robson, the Albion manager, seriously short of attacking options for the remainder of the campaign.

Nevertheless, it was telling that Horsfield continually praised Robson despite being allowed to leave The Hawthorns, which would suggest the reasons behind his departure lie elsewhere.

Robson now has 36-year-old Campbell, an out-of-sorts Nathan Ellington and Kanu at his disposal with Albion needing five more Premier-ship wins to all but guarantee safety.

Horsfield's departure, allied to the deadline-day sale of Robert Earnshaw, has netted Albion a substantial sum of money.

But it remains to be seen if the £5 million pocketed for the duo will prove to be false economy. If any of Albion's remaining strike force were to be struck down by injury, the ramifications could be catastrophic.

While Horsfield was never prolific for Albion he had a penchant for scoring in vital fixtures.

He netted the all-important goal against Portsmouth last May, which secured Albion's Premiership status, as well as notching in their famous 4-1 triumph at Charlton Athletic.

Throw into the melting pot a goal 12 months previously against Bradford City to celebrate their promotion back to the elite of English football and it is easy to see why his rampaging style will be much lamented by supporters.

Horsfield says he leaves The Hawthorns with a heavy heart.

"The manager didn't want me to leave and I had been in his office all last week," he said. "The chairman thought it was a good offer."

"Bryan and Nigel Pearson have been fantastic and I am gutted to be leaving them behind but I had to look at the overall picture.

"I had 18 months left on my contract at Albion but I have been given a longer deal at Sheffield United and the chance to win promotion to the Premiership for a fourth time."

Horsfield has previously reached the top flight with Fulham, Birmingham City and Albion and, if you throw in a Conference title with Halifax, it presents an impressive CV.

Sheffield United are offering him the chance to complete a unique quadruple and Horsfield will be happy to oblige.

While the former brick-layer is relishing the challenge ahead, he says Albion's great escape is a memory unlikely to be surpassed in his career.

He said: "I can't see Albion going down, as they have got too much quality and I fully expect to be playing in the Premiership at The Hawthorns next season.

"I am sure it was just a blip at Fulham.

"The manager didn't want me to go and I have had some incredible times at Albion but I had to look at the overall picture.

"It is more security for my family but I can't imagine experiencing another day like the one against Portsmouth last May ever again. "The odds were against us and we were still bottom of the table at 4.30pm.

"However, I would like to think that I played my part in an amazing day that led to our Premiership survival."

If Albion had matched Sheffield United's contractual offer it is likely Horsfield would still be wearing an Albion shirt today.

However, they didn't, he isn't, and another chapter has closed on his colourful career.

As one door closes, another opens and the robust striker is already polishing up his Yorkshire accent for a move back to his home town of Barnsley. He said: "It is great to be moving back home and Neil Warnock said he wanted me at the club for my experience of promotion.

"He said that he had been chasing me for three years and he was pleased to finally get his man.

"It is nice to feel wanted," Horsfield added pointedly. "It would be nice to get a fifth promotion under my belt but it is by no means a foregone conclusion with Preston, Wat-ford and Leeds snapping at our heels. Neil wants me to spearhead their attack and I hope to be at The Hawthorns in the Premiership next year."