Just over half way through the season and fans are finally beginning to see the potential of the new Espanyol side. Since arriving, 5 games ago, Earle has seen the team more than double their points in the league to 13 points. Two draws, with AZ and Udinese, provided a slow start to Earles reign. A loss to Malaga then left the club in a seemingly no better situation than before the employment of their new manager. However during their week long stay in Italy to face Torino and Genoa glimmers of hope emerged. Going 1-0 down to Torino looked to send the Spaniards into panic mode launching an 'all out attack' mentality resulting in Kalifa Coulibaly equalising before Tomas Rosicky earned Espanyol their second win of the season. Following this victory they headed into their next fixture with far more confidence which showed as Fabio Borini scored twice in the first half to gain a lead which Genoa couldn't come back from. Next up for Espanyol is a tough game against Cologne. They are now within 9 points of escaping the relegation zone which has given many fans and players a new mind-set on the rest of the season.

(Nathan Redmond)

Many fans are asking what has made the difference since Earles arrival. Since his original 8 signings Earle has made a further 5. Danny Simpson was traded in from Atletico Mineiro in exchange for Juan Fuentes. Nathan Redmond also attracted a huge offer joining from Independiente for Felipe Caicedo and Curtis Davies. Earle said the 22 year old would bring more "excitement" to the team and produce a more "spontaneous" style of play. Jan Kliment has also joined for £1.6 million from KRC Genk, the 22 year old boasts huge potential and Earle hopes he will soon show it. Leonardo Pavoletti and Lasse Sobiech both joined for Olympiacos along with £2 million in exchange for Jonathan Soriano. Earle is still keen to improve his squad with strong interest in Jonas Hofmann and Jesus Corona despite both requiring high bids which Espanyol may not be able to produce yet. It is reported that three other players have been approached by Earle and are likely to join within the next week.
It is also expected that Earle will be cutting his squad before the end of the season. It is thought that Tom Huddlestone, Andreas Weimann, Scott Brown, Younes Kaboul and Jelle Vossen will all be departing once they are available. Earle stated that he wants a "small, compact squad with a positive relationship amongst all players" rather than "a large pot of players who don't necessarily get along or work together well". With that said fans are expecting the team to be set to around 25 players.
With 18 games left Espanyol are certainly still in the fight for survival, with several new faces and the potential for more Earle is hopeful the newfound morale will carry the squad upwards through the table.

On March 1st 2016, Doug Earle took over a deflated RCD Espanyol side who sit bottom of Division 4 with 5 points and only a single win from 15 games.




Earle was met by an aging squad of players with low motivation and no one ready to step up and lead. If the Spanish side want to avoid relegation then this is not the squad to do so with. Since joining the side Earle has made 8 new signings in an attempt to bring in a wider range of players and better depth.
His first signing was 24 year old Striker Kalifa Coulibaly from KAA Gent. The forward, who stands at 6'6", cost £1.6 million and will add a new dynamic to the team who now have a true target man.
Earle was also quick to snap up Free Agent Jonny Williams. The 22 year old midfielder is unlikely to be a regular but is showing strong potential and is expected to make an impact when called upon.
Another future prospect is Emrah Bassan who joined for £2m from Antalyaspor. The winger can play on the right and left and at only 23, is expected to burst into the squad soon.
Daniel Ginczek became the most expensive player to sign for Espanyol under Earle with a £4m price tag. Having spent time at Stuttgart before moving to FC Nantes Earle knows the German can score. Like Coulibaly, the striker is tall standing at 6'4". It is expected the 24 year old will challenge Klose for his starting position.
By far the oldest and most experienced signing has been Robson Weligton. The 36 year old defender signed from Malaga for £600,000. Having made 48 appearances for the Division 4 rivals, Weligton will strengthen the loose defence who have conceded 31 goals this season.
Miiko Albornoz has also come in to help aid the poor defence. Costing £3m from Athletic Club Earle is hopeful that the 25 year old will live up to his price tag. The Chilean is also able to play up and down both flanks as well as at centre back.
Fabio Borini joined from Lazio in exchange for Javi Lopez. The Italian forward scored 8 goals in 9 starts for the Italian side and Earle hopes the 24 year old can replicate that form.
Marko Vejinovic has also join from Feyenoord. The deal saw Jose Canas and £2m go the other way but Earle feels that the physical presence of the Dutchman will strongly improve their possession game.

Despite these signings Earle still knows that to avoid relegation they will need a serious turn around. Earle stated they need to win at least 10 of their remaining 23 games to stay up, but even if that happens it isn’t guaranteed safety.
Tonight they face AZ in a game that could define the rest of the season. Earle will hope his new side will be able to overcome the odds and avoid relegation into Division 5.