Thursday will mark Espanyol Manager Glen Mullan's 300th game in charge.

As the clubs longest serving Manager the days of the club being on "life support" are long gone with the brightest of futures secured with a conveyor belt of talent throughout the squad.

"It's been a long journey trying to remain competitive whilst turning one of the leagues oldest declining squads into a team with a long term future at the big table. It's not been easy, to swap out players with little value where there futures lay in the lower divisions and external whilst trying to bring in players with a future, all this whilst trying to prevent a slide down through the divisions as other clubs have done. We've had to take steps back at times to take steps forwards, with us going down to division 2 twice, however we secured promotion on both counts the season after despite being relegation favourites. Other highlights include getting to the YC final 3 times , securing the clubs first ever trophy and a 6th place finish in division 1, whilst also bettering our predicted finish every season since I arrived"

The Manager remains in buoyant mood and committed, and looking through the squad you can see why.

LUCAS CHEVALIER - is the youngest number 1 gk in top100 and despite only being 87 rated the manager opted to give him his chance following his promotion from the youth team. The French stopper had had another amazing season in France and is now seen as one of the best young goalkeepers in the world, with his value continuing to increase. It is hoped come the start of next season his 87 turns into a higher number to boost the team.

RAYAN AIT NOURI - Has had an explosive season IRL and is being chased by many clubs. Despite his 87 rating the young left back has established himself as the clubs first choice despite having competition from the now departed Hartman and Hickey. With the reviews around the corner the 22yr old full back is one very much in demand.

BENJAMIN SESKO - The Slovenian hot shot goes from strength to strength at Liepzig with him recently becoming the youngest player to ever score in 7 successive games in the Bundesliga. Sesko heads to the Euros with the big clubs weighing up if they are to trigger the 65m release clause to secure one of the world's best young strikers. At Espanyol he continues to get exposure to the first team with 14 first team appearances this season. The club have already rejected big bids , citing it will take the largest deal the club has ever done to entertain the idea of letting him go.

ADAM WHARTON - Its been an amazing season for the "Wilpshire Pirlo" which was crowned further yesterday by him making the full England squad ahead of the Euros. He may not make the final cut, but his inclusion ahead of so many big name players is testament to his ability. No other central midfielder in the Premiership can match his stats since he arrived in January, as his interceptions and ball winning is the highest in the league. His attributes are rather unique with very few English players being able to carry out that defensive midfield role whilst also being a pass master, especially with the first time ball. His stock is rising as is interest in both top 100 and real life. He is very much part of the youth team set up right now but with a decent rise probable, it could be a big season for him at Espanyol next season, if his value is not met to entice him elsewhere.

HUGO LARSSON was seen as long term investment when Mane left Espanyol. The teenager continues to impress in Germany having already won Swedish player of the year, prior to joining Frankfurt. The wolves are circling in Europe with a 28m tmkt value being well below the estimated figures clubs will need to pay to tempt frankfurt to sell. Like Wharton despite his tender years he continues to make central midfield look an effortless job, with his ball winning skills and vision. Yet to break into Espanyols first team he is seen as another who could become an ever present at the club in the next 18 months, but at just 19, there is no need to accelerate that. He is playing at a top club irl and the best is yet to come.

LUCIANO RODRIGUEZ 2024 Has continued like 2023 for the young Uruguayan, with his first full caps for the National team bring cemented further by making the COPA America squad. With a big money move to Girona owned by the City Group at an advanced stage the world really is this lads oyster. Espanyol have been patient with him and he will taste his first YC action next season as his development continues. He is one of the Managers favorite players so a move away is unlikely, as he is is seen as a future first team starter.

ELIESSE BEN SEGHIR - Still regarded as the clubs jewel in the crown despite a shoulder injury which cost him the first half of the season at Monaco. Since returning to fitness the teenager had become a full international for Morocco , opting to reject France, whilst making the 5 player shortlist for young player of the year in France. He scored two on his Espanyol league debut a couple of seasons ago and having only just turned 19 remains a significant player for the club. AS Monaco finished runners up in France this season which will give the talented teen Champions league football next season, whilst he is expected to get more minutes for Espanyol in the YC than before.

AMARA DIOUF - Its amazing to think he is still only 15, despite now being a full international for Senegal, whilst continuing to break record's at all ages. Seen as potentially the most exciting teenage footballer world wide coming through whilst being part of the Espanyol stable is a mouth watering thought. He is only 15 and has already played at the highest level for his country. It will be a while before he is impacting the Espanyol first team but is the one player in the squad that the other 99 teams would take in a heart beat.

The above players give a little insight to how far Espanyol have come, when you consider the youth team also had Reitz, Koumas, Fayzullaev, Konstantelias, Kambwala, Outtara, Adzic and Camara amongst others all coming through to support a first team which is mixed with experience.

Bemzema will join in the close season to support the first team network or Sterling , Olmo, De Paul, Fabinho, Otavio, Pepe, Garcia and Collins to name some as Espanyol if they can secure safety this season, will look to kick on further and Establish themselves as a Division 1 club amongst the big boys.

"I've really enjoyed my time at Espanyol. I Never thought I'd get to 300 games, though have always been confident in my beliefs that the first team and its results are paramount and above anything else. It's what we set out to do each season and I think we've shown with the talent we have in the youth team , that you can achieve as a first team and build at the same time. There is no need to sacrifice results to build, or indeed sacrifice the clubs future for short term success. Every season in my time here we have over achieved on the expected finish, and its what continues to drive me"

Espanyol arrived back in Spain this morning after another memorable night in Turin, as they beat one of the title favourites Juventus 2-1. The Italian Giants were the second big scalp in 5 games, as Espanyol had previously beaten former Champions Verona.

Espanyol are the lowest ranked side in Division 1 by some margin, however their explosive start to the season sees them joint top scorers with 13 goals across the 5 divisions, though defensively they have let in 10.

"We are under no illusions how difficult it's going to be to finish anywhere better than bottom. We've got the promotion bounce right now, where we are putting away our chances and to have 11 points at this stage is minor miracle. What we lack in ratings we have tried to offset in depth and I really can't be any happier by the surprise start. We've 33 games to try and get another 30 points now to give us a chance of staying up. Division 1 is an unforgiving place, where you can easily go on a losing run of 7-8 games and get pulled into a rut. There is a number of 6 pointers to come this season against teams which are closer to our position. Wins against the likes of Juventus and Verona are bonus points which you don't expect , but they have certainly helped towards a solid start to the season. History has shown that winning 25% of your games in division 1 is not usually enough to keep you up. West Bromley last season took points in nearly 50% of their games but still went down with 42 points. This makes life extremely tough for us and we are not getting carried away with the start. Its take each game as it comes , pray that injuries and suspensions don't de-rail the team and see where we are after 10 games, 20 games , 30 games etc. "

Tomorrow Espanyol will face Standard Liege hoping to secure their return to Division 1 and the Manager's second promotion to the top division in 3 seasons.

The club was predicted to finish 19th this season following last seasons relegation, however smart recruitment including pre-agreed deals has seen the team at the higher reaches of the table all season.

Off the pitch the Manager has had to deal with some life changing events with bad health threatening to end his tenure prematurely.

"it's been a living hell these last few months, which started when my daughter found me unresponsive , I'd gone. The Paramedics worked me for two solid hours trying to bring me back despite my organs already shutting down. What followed was a death sentence, which each day becomes harder, seeing my family and what it's doing to them makes things tough. I've tried to carry on as normal as I can , which at times can be difficult if I'm not thinking straight, i can get quite confused. On the pitch at Espanyol I've tried to continue to build short, medium and long term which is evidenced by our league position and YC final loss tonight. This next week will be a defining week for the club with two games to try and get us back up there. With that comes a struggle next season , but I've always played to win. I've considered my future at the club quite a lot in recent weeks and if it's the right time to step down at the end of the season . Real life needs to take priority and if I feel I can't give the same 100% commitment then I'd rather leave on my terms than be sacked by a panel. I've put a lot of time and effort in at Espanyol, probably too much really, but I don't know any other way.

SM in the main has always been a good escape, and bar some horrific pms I received over the last few months within the GW , I've really enjoyed TOP100.

We will get this next week out of the way, get all my deals completed then review my position at both the club, GW and SM

There maybe 8 games to go of the current season, but it's not stopped Espanyol marching on with next seasons plans with five new development players secured, and two first team players.

Joining from Celta Vigo is young French fullback Kassoum Outtara and young Spanish striker Ferri. This deal was agreed some weeks ago with Espanyol's number 1 Flekken heading the other way. "Flekken is likely to rise in the English updates, however we've a lot of faith in young French stopper Chevalier, so felt it was important to give him his chance next season. We've paid quite a lot here for two relatively inexperienced kids, but we have to believe in our scouting and hope it works out eventually."

Heading out also is captain Verratti, who was always going to be a steady the ship player. He is off to Chelsea with another young frenchman in Diarra arriving in exchange. Again on the face of it, this is a massive gamble losing a 93 for an 84. "this is one of those that either works out or don't, we have never beeb afraid to rock the market and pay big to secure players of interest. Diarra is raw, still a teenager and could turn into a top player with the right luck. We've took long term view on this , and hopefully it bares fruits"

Also arriving will be Arne Engels, a season after he signed for Espanyol . "Its felt like waiting forever given he was secured last season, however the 3 transfer rule prevented him moving in the close season. Thankfully he has continued to develop and could be a top player, and will add further competition in the development squad in midfield."

Mane yesterday agreed a shock move to Manchester City, when it was agreed talented FB Mazraoui would move to Spain with exciting Swede Hugo Larsson. "Sometimes and offer arrives which is too good to say no. In Mane's case it was exactly that. Larsson is one of the standout teenagers in world football right now, with scouts flocking from every shore to try and steel him from frankfurt. We just had to bring him here and believe pound for pound he could be the best signing I've ever made since arriving at Espanyol. Its a bold statement but one I'm happy to stand by. Getting Mazraoui top, which I didn't look too much into, is one hell of a bonus and we will review now the option of selling a FB or CB"

last night with the eye on a short term replacement for Mane , Espanyol swooped for Terrier beating off competition to land him. Oroz, Tyukavin and Gomez head to Sao Paolo. "In normal circumstances I'd not of paid Oroz on his own for Terrier, so know we've vastly overpaid . However I've always said winning comes first and we have to service first team and youth team. Mane going , left a big void out wide rating wise, so a little like Cavani last season, the rating meant more to us than the value."

"We are pretty much there for next season now, I will look to add an 89 or so CM over the next week or two, and it's likely to be an aging one or Saudi one. We will look for value , if it means cashing a major young asset in. However we are relaxed with updates still due for a number of our players which may take away the need to roll the dice. We have genuine options in every position so won't be doing too many Oroz style deals to plug gaps"

As we head to the business side of the season, the games are beginning to take their toll on Espanyol. Injuries and suspensions have plagued the side in the second half of the season, with the manager struggling for continuity within the starring 11.

The power ratings had Espanyol finishing 19th this season prior to their close and mid season business, which has propelled them to the top of the table. With a team mixed with youth and experience, the first team has managed to give 94 first team appearances to the youth squad this season, an achievement the manager is proud off.

The team has made it through to the Semi Finals of the WCC cup where they will face a mammoth task of trying to upset the odds against a very strong Porto side, whilst the youth team needs to overcome a 2-1 deficit in their quarter final youth Cup match against Torino.

"We are overachieving in terms of of our own expectations, there is some very strong teams. We have bought well in terms of adding some nice ratings in midfield and wide , but that's only half the story when you consider our 86s and 87s in defence and 88GK. Our aim this season was to continue to develop the young players whilst trading ourselves up the table, and whatever happens between now and the end of the season we have already achieved that. We continue to service both pots of the squad and are finding ourselves with overspill of talented young players, which has seen us give away a few to keep balance in all positions, with another 2 or 3 likely to be released before the end of the season to make way for Engels, Ferri and Outtara who are all due to join.

We could end the season with no achievements in terms of silverware and promotion, but another season in division 2 wouldn't be a bad thing right now to allow us to develop further with the updates. I'm not expecting wholesale changes next season, our older players will 100% stay now, whilst updates should aid our young defence"

Mendy to Celta Vigo, with Gil ferri to Espanyol

Twigt part completed Man City

Zalewski for Kalokah with A Madrid

Danilo with Arsenal

dorrington with stuttgart

gharbi from bayern

The season is only 8 games in, but Espanyol continue to exceed expectations as tonight's 1-0 win over Udinese put the Spanish side top of the pile in Division 2.

The result sees the catalan side extend their unbeaten run to 6 games.

In Verratti, Espanyol have a true leader, who is playing the best football of his career in the gameworld. Averaging a 7.5 rating, and also chipping in with 4 assists, his vision is getting the very best out of Muller and Cavani who have hit 9 goals between them. The three veterans are the heart beat of the side right now, though the manager is quick to praise his young defence.

"We've Hickey, Zabarnyi and Pacho all 21 , playing with Gomez 23, whilst we've also Senesi in there too. Its a very inexperienced defence on paper, but the goals against column of just 7 has been key to the teams success. They are holding the Fort very well which is allowing our higher rated veterans to express themselves to the maximum. We are not getting carried with the start, there is a long way to go, some top teams to face and some bumps to overcome. However we can be proud of the efforts to date. Our squad is becoming settled now with just Mane to arrive mid-season to boost our attacking options. We are not actively looking for players, as I'm extremely happy with the squad and options, with the only likely addition to be a youth player added to the database when the right opportunity presents itself. Our aims have not changed despite the start, staying up is our number one priority and until that's achieved we will need to keep on our toes and hope for some luck."

After a solid start to life in division 2, Espanyol have this week moved to strengthen their attacking threat further by securing Mane and Sesko.

Mane was identified as a possible transfer target due to his versatility of being able to lead the line or play wide. With the teams goal scoring threat currently sat on the shoulders of veteran Cavani, its hoped Mane who will join mid-season will help the team in the second half of the season to get crucial points in the teams battle to beat the drop.

"We all know what Mane can bring to a team, and his age and location is not an issue for us. We've had players like Ibrahimovic last season show their worth short term for our club, and along with Muller who is already here his experience and rating will be invaluable"

The big capture though is one for the future and a player the manager has tried to sign for the last couple of years. Sesko has all the traits to become one of the very best. He has impressed in Austria and is now playing in Germany where he is expected to shine.

"He has for a long time been muttered in the same breath as Haaland, though has some way to go to have the success the Norwegian has. He is a big lad and has been clinical so far in his career. He is someway off our first team picture yet, but will spearhead our youth team this season to try and impress. Our academy continues to look strong with other additions this past week of Lepenant and young Montenegro starlet Adzic. Adzic celebrated his move by getting his first international under 21 cap last night at just 17 years old and has already hit 4 goals in 11 appearances this season in the top flight in his homeland. He is a big lad for a attacking midfielder and one we expect to be on the rise sooner or later".

Meanwhile fellow youth players Pacho, Hickey and Zabarnyi are now fully established first team starters, with Oroz and Lepenant also part of the first team squad. "We wanted to create a path to the first team and have opted to go with our youngsters at the back this season. It's always a gamble to sacrifice the ratings, but we really believe in these lads, who have the opportunity to grow as one unit for many seasons to come along side Sergio Gomez who continues to hold his spot in defence. We will continue to give first team minutes to other youth players as we did last season with Ben Seghir, who shined when he was given the opportunity and Sudakov. With the new rules we need to manage concerns and have sent a few out on loan and will likely send 2 or 3 more out over the next week or so. "

Regarding job speculation, "This is my club, my home and the thought of leaving has never crossed my mind. My current deal runs until the end of the season and renewal talks are on hold due to personal issues, though I can say with certainty this will be my final club within top 100"