Motherwell

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Motherwell defender Jordan McGhee has picked up a thigh injury that will keep him out of action for six to eight weeks.

McGhee, 28, signed a two-year deal with Motherwell earlier this summer after his contract with Dundee expired.

However, he will miss the start of the new league season following a knock suffered before Motherwell's League Cup match against Clyde.

"It's very unfortunate that we lose Jordan for this period of time," Jens Berthel Askou said.

"He's made a very good impression in my time here. He brings experience and versatility to the squad, so he will be missed. However, he is already on the road to recovery and we look forward to him getting back soon."

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Manager Jens Berthel Askou says Motherwell were rewarded for their patience in their late 2-1 League Cup group victory against Peterhead.

The new Fir Park manager was heading for a second straight draw against lower-league opposition before Lukas Fadinger headed in a last-gasp winner.

The Dane said: "Overall it was a very good performance. Obviously, there were a few mistakes here and there and some quality we need to raise in our final third.

"That's also the most difficult thing to get right. Big credit to Peterhead, they defended with heart and soul and did well in many phases of the game.

"It also shows that sometimes football is about being patient and believing in what you're doing, and eventually you get the reward.

"That was something we discussed after the last game when we got a little bit impatient and had too much frustration.

"The body language was spot on throughout the whole game, even in the difficult periods. The second half was almost perfect."

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Tawanda Maswanhise says he has set himself "higher goals" this season after starting the competitive campaign with a double in Motherwell's draw with Clyde.

The 22-year-old forward drew the Fir Park side level with a header before slotting in a close-range finish to put Jens Berthel Askou's men 2-1 up.

The League Cup group match would finish 2-2, with Well going on to claim a penalty shootout bonus point.

Maswanhise excelled in spells last term, scoring six goals and providing four assists in his first season in senior football.

This campaign, under a third different Well manager, the Zimbabwe international is targeting a higher tally.

"I'm happy to kick-start the campaign with two goals," he said. "I really want to get more goals this season.

"There's always room for improvement so I've set myself higher goals."

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Manager Jens Berthel Askou is "quite confident" Motherwell will have made additional summer signings before their Scottish Premiership season starts.

The Lanarkshire side have already recruited seven new players this summer, four of which joined in the past week.

And Askou expects that tally to be increased in time for Rangers' visit to Fir Park in their Premiership opener on 2 August.

"I'm quite confident we will do more before the league starts," the Dane said prior to Motherwell's League Cup meeting with Peterhead on Tuesday.

"Whether we'll be finished, that's hard to say, because when the league starts there's still about a month left of the transfer window.

"I think it would be the first time for me that I have experienced nothing happening in the last month of a transfer window, especially in the summer, so I would be surprised if that was the case, but you never know.

"But right now, we're working really hard in the background to adjust things and get new players in and deal with the interest around our own players."

One player attracting interest is Lennon Miller, but Askou is happy to wait for the right resolution to the midfielder's future.

The Fir Park boss also signalled he would stop talking about the 18-year-old's transfer status.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Aston Oxborough has returned to training and is "not far away" from a comeback from a pre-season injury.

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With speculation linking Lennon Miller with a move away from Fir Park intensifying, we asked Motherwell fans for their views on his future.

The midfielder's father told BBC Sportsound he expects a bid to arrive for his son "if not this week, maybe next week".

The 18-year-old missed his side's 2-2 draw with Clyde on Saturday because of an injury, which dad Lee says is "not serious".

Here's what some of you said about Miller's next move:

Gilbert: Please don't let it be the Old Firm, they wasted David Turnbull and who knows how many more. I would love to see him go to Napoli.

Anon: It would be a nice touch for Lennon to extend his contract so Motherwell can generate a good transfer fee. He has the talent and no-one would begrudge him if a move takes him to the next level and regular first-team football.

Dave: I hope he gets a big money move abroad before the window closes. I'd love for him to sign a one-year extension so the club can command a big fee for him. I'd hate to see us lose out on a free transfer next season or a lower fee at the January transfer window.

Sid: I'm hoping he signs another year's extension. I can't see it myself, he'll go abroad, he's too good to be sitting on the bench at Celtic.

Brian: Not a Motherwell fan but I say he should stay one more year. If he can produce the same form until January then they'll get a good price for him, but too many go to big teams and it's detrimental to their career. He's still young, one more season wouldn't do him any harm.

Alan: If we could sign him for another year, that'd calm our beating hearts at Fir Park, since it gives him the space for the right deal whenever it comes along. Well, it's a nice thought.

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We asked you for your views following Motherwell penalty shootout win against Clyde in Jens Berthel Askou's first game in charge.

Here's what some of you said:

George: A new manager trying to reinvent the wheel. Absolutely dreadful against poor opponents three leagues below a Premiership team.

Drew: Difficult conditions with the heat and surface, but Well should be better than that.

Colin: Early in the season, but not a performance to get the pulses racing. It seemed apparent last season and it's still the same, Motherwell need some decent defenders in before the start of the league campaign.

Ian: It's a very dodgy artificial surface and was ridiculously hot but the basics were lacking for me.

Some terrible passing, straight to an opponent, poor first-time control and very slow build up, as usual. Early days, but I had hoped to see better.

Clyde offered very little but still scored two very good goals, so well done, but we need to defend better. O'Donnell got pelters from a lot of fans and he needs to find some form or he will not feature again.

Graeme: Hard to be too critical in that heat, but if the 'keeper continues to play as a sweeper we will be caught out again this season. Playing central midfielders is not ideal. Maswanhise looked good.

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Jens Berthel Askou said Motherwell's draw with Clyde in the Premier Sports Cup was an example of how "tricky" football can be.

The Aksou era kicked off with a 2-2 draw with the League 2 side, though the Steelmen did secure the bonus point with a penalty shootout win.

"It just shows how tricky football is in general," he the manager told club media.

"There'll always be surprises in football, especially in the cup tournaments, there will be things that don't go as expected.

"We didn't get the result we wanted, obviously. A few other clubs, as far as I've heard, didn't do that either.

"And that's just football in general. You have to be there on the day."

James Hilton fired the Bully Wee ahead after just 16 minutes and although a double from Tawanda Maswanhise had the Steelmen in front, Liam Scullion levelled with a header to force penalties.

"I think in terms of effort and structure, we were good," he added.

"In terms of intensity, I think we pressed them with intensity.

"Every time we tried to press, they put the ball in behind. I think we should have dealt better with some of their direct play.

"That's something to improve on, definitely and then it's about getting the tempo up, but I'm sure that Fir Park will give us the possibility to play at a much higher tempo."

Motherwell midfielder Lennon Miller is facing around 10 days on the sidelines after picking up an injury in a closed door game against Carlisle.

The 18-year-old was absent from the Steelmen's squad to face Clyde in their Scottish League Cup opener against Clyde - new head coach Jens Berthel Askou first game in charge.

Miller has reportedly been attracting "a lot of interest" this summer as he enters the final year of his contract at Fir Park and is expected to leave the club in the coming months.

Former Well defender Stephen Craigan says protecting Miller doesn't make his Motherwell departure less likely.

"It does make sense," Craigan told BBC Sportsound of Askou's decision to rest the youngster for the cup game.

"It doesn't make it less likely that Lennon Miller will leave in the coming weeks. I think someone will eventually stump up.

"It kind of concerns me if you're a club and you see a player you want, why are you delaying? If you've got the money and the player's there go and get him in. You'd imagine you'd want the player into your club as soon as possible to get used to the surroundings.

"It's good to hear that it's just a slight knock and he'll be back in a week to 10 days. The worst case scenario for him is that it'd go beyond that and he could miss the window shutting."

When asked what sort of fee Motherwell could command for the youngster, Craigan added: "Clearly he's only going to be worth what somebody pays.

"Is somebody going to pay £5m for him? I don't think so. I think may £3-3.5m and have add-ons and a sell-on. He's such an asset to the club but ultimately the future of the club for the next five years is dependent on the money they're going to get in for him."

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Motherwell have agreed to pay Viborg around £115,000 for 23-year-old winger Ibrahim Said, who signed for the Fir Park club on Friday. (Sky Sports), external

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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"Versatile winger" Ibrahim Said will bring "speed, dribbling ability, high-intensity pressing and good finishing" to Motherwell, insists manager Jens Berthel Askou.

Nigerian Said, 23, joins on a two-year deal from Danish side Viborg FF for an undisclosed fee, with the Fir Park club holding the option of a further year.

"I am happy to be in the door," Said told the club's official website.

"This move has been long in the making and I'm excited about what the manager is trying to build here. There are good players in the squad and I hope I can excite everyone who comes to watch us play."

The former Nigeria youth international once attracted interest from Liverpool and Manchester City, but Askou added fans will need to be "patient" with his integration.

"We will need to be patient with his full integration into matches, as he is a few weeks behind the rest of the squad, but we have a clear plan to bring him up to speed," the manager said.

"At 23, Ibrahim is still young and has plenty of potential to grow and develop further. I'm confident he will thrive in our environment and become a very exciting player for our supporters to watch."

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Andy Halliday admits he "loves" the group stage of League Cup as the competition kicks off another season in Scottish football.

Motherwell begin their group campaign with a game against Clyde at New Douglas Park on Saturday and the midfielder is desperate to get into competitive action.

"I can't wait," said the 33-year-old. "It's funny, a lot of people kind of turn their nose up at the League Cup competition starting before the (league) season, but to be honest, I love it.

"I'm not a fan of friendlies, I never have been. There's nothing better than playing for something, playing for three points and playing with a crowd watching you as well, so I enjoy the cup competition coming early.

"You're not at maximum in terms of your squad, the numbers you're going to bring in and obviously your own personal fitness.

"But, I'd much rather get fit in competitive action than closed-door friendlies and playing in front of nobody."

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Manager Jens Berthel Askou has confirmed Paul McGinn will remain Motherwell captain, with Stephen O'Donnell, Liam Gordon, Lennon Miller and Andy Halliday forming a leadership group of vice-captains.

Each player "personifies the club's values and possesses invaluable leadership qualities that have been driving the culture of the club" Askou said.

McGinn, who was appointed captain last summer by then-manager Stuart Kettlewell following Liam Kelly's exit, hopes to "lead from the front" this campaign.

"It will always be an honour to be the captain of this football club," McGinn told club media.

"The dressing room has lots of experience within it, and I know we're going to need all of that throughout the season. Personally, I hope to be leading from the front a lot more this season.

"We have a good group, and the manager has been laying the groundwork and foundations for the upcoming campaign."

Askou, who will take of his first official game on Saturday against Clyde added: "They are very good footballers, but more importantly, they are people of loyalty, integrity, and empathy.

"They will protect our environment, keep everyone on their toes, and help people thrive."

Como have 18-year-old Motherwell midfielder Lennon Miller on their transfer wish list in addition to their £17m move for Celtic winger Nicolas Kuhn. (Sun), external

Read Friday's Scottish gossip

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

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Emmanuel Longelo will bring "power, strength, speed and athleticism" to Motherwell's left-hand side, says manager Jens Berthel Askou.

The 24-year-old left-back has joined from Birmingham City for an undisclosed fee on a two-year deal, with the Fir Park club holding an option of a further year.

A West Ham youth product who played in the Europa League for the Hammers, Longelo would move to Birmingham in 2023 for a reported £400,000 after a successful loan spell.

He would go on to play 45 times for Birmingham before spending last season on loan at third-tier Cambridge United, where he scored two goals in 19 games.

"We have been looking to add competition in the left-back position," said Well boss Askou.

"And Manny brings exactly what we need - breakthrough power, strength, speed and athleticism down our left side.

"We strongly believe he'll be a very valuable player for Motherwell in the years to come and look forward to giving him his first minutes in the game against Clyde on Saturday."

Longelo, who can also play in an advanced role on the left, added: "The prospect of coming to a new league is thrilling and I'm looking forward to learning new things."

Meanwhile, Fir Park boss Askou says interest is increasing in teenage midfielder Lennon Miller, but there is "nothing concrete" to reveal.

The Lanarkshire side start their competitive campaign this weekend with a trip to face Clyde in their League Cup group opener.

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New Zealand winger Elijah Just will add "tempo, speed and effectiveness" to Motherwell's attack after joining on a two-year deal, says manager Jens Berthel Askou.

The 25-year-old, who has eight goals in 36 international caps, has moved from Danish top-flight club Horsens, where Askou previously managed, for an undisclosed fee.

Just spent last season on loan in the Austrian second tier, scoring six goals in 19 games for SKN St Polten.

Askou, who worked with Just in Denmark, says the forward has "highly developed game intelligence" and is a "good and intelligent presser of the ball".

"He thrives in small spaces within the opposition's organisation, where his ability to dribble or link up causes big dilemmas," the Fir Park boss added.

"Driving the ball with speed and moving fast into dangerous areas, he'll use his strong finishing skills and creativity to create chances for his teammates.

"Elijah will add tempo, speed and effectiveness to our attacking game, and I really look forward to integrating him into the team."

Former Helsingor winger Just said: "It's great to be in the building and getting straight down to work. The season gets started this weekend, and I can't wait to get playing.

"The discussions with the manager have been inspiring. He told me about his vision at Motherwell, and it sounds like a place you want to be as a player."

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Andy Halliday's penalty was enough for Motherwell to end their pre-season with a friendly win over Carlisle United.

New Well forward Eseosa Sule was fouled in the box with 20 minutes left at Fir Park and veteran midfielder Halliday fired home from the spot for the only goal of the game.

Apostolos Stamatelopoulos came close on a number of occassions, finding the woodwork twice in the first half in a game Jens Berthel Askou's side dominated.

Askou will take charge of his first competitive Motherwell match on Saturday (12 July) when they visit League 2 Clyde in the League Cup.

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Joining Motherwell on a season-long loan "makes sense" to Eseosa Sule as the striker returns to Scotland from West Brom.

Sule, 19, spent over a decade with Scottish champions Celtic before moving to West Brom - who he has just signed a new deal with until the summer of 2027.

The forward has made one first-team appearance for the Baggies - in a League Cup game against Fleetwood Town - and says the opportunity for first-team minutes was one he "couldn't say no to".

"I'm excited for this move," Sule said.

"The chance to get regular first-team minutes was an opportunity I couldn't say no to. This move makes sense. Being from the area, I know the club and what it means to the supporters.

"Many players have come here, and it has helped their development. I hope to be the next player to experience that."

Sule arrives having been top goalscorer in Premier League 2 last season and Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou adds he is getting "a young forward with very interesting attributes".

"His speed, athleticism and ball-striking are all impressive," he said.

"He is a positive, energetic and eager young man who possesses great potential, and we really look forward to developing him into a very valuable and game-decisive player for the team."

Motherwell are set to snap up 19-year-old West Bromwich Albion striker Eseosa Sule on loan. (Daily Record), external

Read the rest of Friday's Scottish gossip.