The Final Push!

With just 12 games left of the season, Espanyol are looking to push on for a strong finish. The Spaniards currently sit in 10th with 36 points with only 1 point keeping them out of the play-off places. Earle has stated that from these final 12 games he hopes the team will gain at least 20 points which will set them up well for a promotion push. Coming off a 4-2 victory over Dynamo Kyiv, Espanyol will be confident moving into their next match against Anderlecht which is key to the end of their season.

Earle has been busy over the past few weeks bringing in several new players in a late attempt to turn their season around after their slide down the table. One of the most impressive signings has been David Villa who returned to Spain from Bestikas for a fee of just £2.5 million. The arrival of the 34-year-old made all the fans forget the clubs problems and come together to celebrate. Villa has since made 8 appearances in the attack midfield role as Benjamin Moukandjo holds on to the centre forward role. Free agent Julian Palmieri has also joined Espanyol on a two year deal. The French left back will provide further depth at the back and may take the end of the season to make his move as Pablo Armero has looked to have dropped form and lost his starting spot. Further defensive cover was brought in with the signing of James Tomkins from West Ham. Originally a central defender Earle has used the 6'4" Englishman as cover at right back following the departure of Azevedo Silvio. Tomkins is set to face competition from Atiba Hutchinson for the starting right back position but Earle has indicated that Hutchinson will play a small role for the remainder of the season. Gonzalo Martinez has travelled to Aston Villa to discuss terms over a proposed move to England after failing to impress for the Spaniards. As a short term replacement Earle has signed Anwar El Ghazi on loan from Juventus. The 21-year-old is familiar with the club having spent time with them last season. However, El Ghazi isn't assured a starting spot as Edin Visca has enjoyed a strong season and Nathan Redmond looks to jump at his first team opportunity. Espanyol have also completed the signing of Scottish midfielder James Morrison from Hull City, It is expected he will play a major role in the squad which will leave Domingues Claudemir and Abdoulaye Doucoure to fight for a starting spot. Alexandu Epureanu has been promoted to the starting team after impressing in the shield run. This came with the shocking news that captain Robson Weligton would be departing. The 37-year-old has had a medical at Stuttart ahead of his move to help the Division 4 side during their injury crisis. Weligton has played 48 games for Espanyol after Earle signed him for £600k last season. Mauro Dos Santos is expected to become his long term replacement as part of a proposed deal for Gonzalo Martinez. Rumours also indicate that Danny Simpson may also be making a return to Spain although no deal has yet been confirmed yet. Roque Mesa and Sambou Yatabare are both also undergoing medicals at Espanyol after Earle looked to increase the squad depth dramatically. It is thought that Earle will look to add at least 2 more players by next week.


With the season coming into the final stretch Espanyol fans are still unsure of how to react to the season so far. Many had expected Espanyol to threaten for automatic promotion but that is now looking unlikely. The fans now hope that the squad can make it into the play off spots and do enough to gain promotion. Earle has made sure to remind them of their outstanding undefeated run in the cup with wins over Augsburg, Bayern and Chievo as well as draws with Liverpool (win on penalties) and Inter Milan (loss on penalties). Can the new additions to the squad do enough to ensure an immediate return to Division 4 or will the Spaniards spend another season at the bottom.