Ambitious Askou 'hungry for success' as new Motherwell manager

Jens Berthel Askou has previously managed in Denmark, Sweden and the Faroe Islands

Former IFK Goteborg head coach Jens Berthel Askou says he is "hungry for success" after being named the new Motherwell manager.

The 42-year-old Dane was most recently assistant manager at FC Copenhagen and has had spells in charge of clubs in his homeland, Sweden and the Faroe Islands.

"Having spoken extensively with members of the club board, it was clear from the outset that our ideas, ambitions and morals align," said Askou.

"We are all ambitious people, and we're all hungry for success. I can't wait to arrive in Scotland and begin planning for the season ahead. There is a lot of work to be done, but it's highly exciting."

With the move subject to the approval of a work permit, Motherwell say they hope Askou can start next week.

He replaces Michael Wimmer, who left Fir Park in late May to join German third-tier side Jahn Regensburg.

Wimmer won five and drew three of his 12 matches as Motherwell finished eighth in the Scottish Premiership.

Who is Askou & why have Motherwell chosen him?

Askou has won promotion to the Danish top flight with both Vendsyssel and Horsens. In between those jobs he won a league and cup double in the Faroe Islands with HB Torshavn.

In June 2023, he took over at IFK Goteborg for a year before joining Sparta Prague as an assistant coach.

In January, he took up a similar post at FC Copenhagen working under manager Jacob Neestrup.

"We had a high number of impressive applicants, but we were really drawn to Jens," said Motherwell chairman Kyrk Macmillan.

"His track record of working with big clubs, delivering success and developing young players matches up with all our philosophies.

"He has handed 26 teenagers debuts in five-and-a-half seasons, which I think is evidence of Jens implementing his ideas and morals.

"The data and numbers impressed us, but more importantly, after speaking with Jens a number of times, he is a really ambitious character and a leader who was extremely keen to get the role here at our club."

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Askou appointment predictably unpredictable - analysis

It's becoming the Motherwell way to take an alternative approach to things.

Much like the recruitment process for Wimmer, the Fir Park club have gone down an unfamiliar route to bring in their new manager.

Arguably Askou has more of a pedigree than his predecessor. He's won trophies and promotions, including a domestic double in the Faroe Islands. There's also names such as IFK Goteborg and FC Copenhagen on his CV.

He talks of being hungry for success, but success in Scotland may look quite different. On the sort of a budget a fan-owned club can offer, a league and cup double parade going along Windmillhill Street seems fanciful.

However, being bold in chasing ambition is something in line with the Motherwell way of thinking right now. A young board led by chairman Kyrk MacMillan, who previously was a CEO with a Danish fashion firm, are keen to forge their own path.

But Askou has a lot to do, and quickly, when he arrives next week.

The bulky squad left for him report for pre-season training on Wednesday, along with new recruits presumably eyed up by Wimmer.

He also has to face losing star asset, Lennon Miller, whose value and profile will only have gone up since impressing for Scotland on Monday.

Askou's appointment was predictably unpredictable. Knowing Scottish football, what happens next will most likely be the same.