Motherwell

Jenna Thomson
Fan writer

Lennon Miller's transfer fee - reported to be £.475m - can be absolutely transformational for Motherwell.

If it was up to me, I would be on the hunt for a £1m striker since we badly need a proven goalscorer.

I'd put another £1m into the Well Society and the same amount could be shared between the girls' and boys' academy.

As sad as it is to see our golden boy depart, I feel so much pride and joy for him as the world is his oyster now.

If the midfielder dazzles in Serie A the way he has in Scotland and continues to play for the national team, in the coming years he could even emulate Scott McTominay and be a Ballon d'Or nominee...

Miller, Motherwell loves you and if you're ever feeling homesick, those Fir Park doors will always be open for you.

Image source, AFP via Getty Images

Motherwell have signed "highly talented" 20-year-old Nottingham Forest forward Esapa Osong on loan for the season.

Osong had loan spells at Rotherham and Cambridge United last season, making three starts in 12 appearances and scoring one goal.

He has featured once for Forest - in an EFL Cup tie two years ago - and has netted 11 times for the Premier League club's Under-21s.

"Esapa is a young and highly talented forward that [recruitment chief] Nick Daws has been tracking for some time," said Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou.

"Powerful and athletic, he has consistently impressed at academy level with his productivity and eye-catching performances.

"With his combination of speed, strength and technical ability, Esapa has the potential to be a real challenge for any defender in the league."

Osong described his Fir Park move as an "incredible opportunity" and added: "The manager has outlined his expectations - now it's my responsibility to deliver."

Image source, SNS

Lee Miller believes the "sky is the limit" for son Lennon after the midfielder completed his move from Motherwell to Udinese.

"Yeah, it's been a bit of a whirlwind, a bit of a rollercoaster ride. But delighted to get the deal done," Miller told BBC Scotland.

"We're gutted he's leaving us, but bursting with pride at the same time as is our entire family. It's an amazing opportunity for him.

"It's been a carefully thought-out process over the last six, seven, eight months.

"Udinese has always been there, chomping at the bit to do things properly, and they've done that. It's been a huge decision for Lennon to make, and us as well, because we're quite a close family.

"But ultimately it's been great, exciting times, and I look forward to the future."

Several clubs were chasing the 18-year-old Scotland international, but Miller decided the best option for his development was to follow in the footsteps of international team-mates such as Scott McTominay, Billy Gilmour and Aaron Hickey by taking his talents to Serie A.

His father added added: "He feels he's got an opportunity to play there, it's in a world-class league in Serie A, he wants to show everybody what he can do over there, against some quality sides.

"They've got a track record for developing players and moving them on for bigger money again, so this is a carefully thought out step.

"Lennon's done fantastic so far. He is a level-headed kid, I say kid, he's a man, and he's very mature beyond his years, but he has massive ambitions. The sky's the limit."

Image source, SNS

Manager Jens Berthel Askou stressed Motherwell's record transfer fee would be used for the long-term benefit of the club.

The Lanarkshire side sold Lennon Miller to Udinese for a fee that "substantially surpasses" the previous record of £3.25m, which Celtic paid for David Turnbull.

The income has the potential to rise further with clauses relating to the 18-year-old's progress and a potential sell-on fee.

Askou is still looking to strengthen his squad, but Motherwell will use their windfall with the sustainability of the club in mind.

"We still have a few things to do," the Danish manager said on transfers.

"I'm not going to name specific positions, but we're doing our best and I think things are moving in the right direction.

"We are still working within our framework and our budget and driving this club forward sustainably.

"When you make a big deal like we've done now, obviously it's not going to be splashed all over.

"It's going to benefit Motherwell FC, obviously a little bit short term, but in general in the long term, so we'll be able to produce the next Lennon Miller in the future and we'll be able to be even more competitive as a club and keep progressing.

"We're not going to risk the club and the balance within the club and the structure, because we've been in the Premiership for many, many years and we want to keep doing that.

"But obviously we've taken some steps into modernising the club within the framework we have and we're not going to risk that by overspending and just taking quick decisions.

"We're doing things with the right speed and tempo, so we also have a good and healthy club in months and years and decades to come."

Claire Thomson
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou has been speaking to the media as his side prepare to face St Johnstone in the League Cup this weekend.

Here are the main points:

• Askou believes Lennon Miller's move to Udinese is a fantastic deal for the club and will benefit Motherwell in the future. He described the midfielder as a "very intelligent, composed and relaxed" player, who will have a bright future and do well in Serie A.

• He adds: "Lennon has been part of the club for so long and it is a fantastic story for everyone. We are very proud of him. He is a special and rare talent in Scottish football."

• Askou describes Udinese as "stable" with not many negative headlines and strengths in talent development. He says several Danish players have moved to Serie A in recent years and done well.

• He insists Motherwell still have work to do in the transfer window, but will "work within the framework and budget to drive the club sustainably". He says he does not want to risk the balance and structure in the club by overspending and making quick decisions.

• Miller's move for a reported fee of £4.75m makes him the club's record sale and Askou hopes the fee will "give stability and opportunities to think about long-term investments" as well as "more confidence and certainty for a healthy club".

• Askou says it would be impossible to replace Miller, but it leaves the pathway open for the next talent and academy players.

• He is pleased with Tawanda Maswanhise's progress and effort, and believes the forward's contract extension is positive for the club.

• He expects St Johnstone will be a difficult challenge: "If we're not at our best, they will hurt us."

• On Andy Halliday making comments on opposition teams, including weaknesses in Rangers, Askou insists he has no issue with it and is confident the 33-year-old knows how to balance being a Motherwell player with media work.

Image source, SNS

Motherwell forward Tawanda Maswanhise has signed a one-year contract extension after impressing manager Jens Berthel Askou with his "speed and aggressiveness".

The 22-year-old Zimbabwe international has scored 10 goals - including four in this season's League Cup group stage - in 40 appearances since joining the Steelmen last summer.

Maswanhise is now tied down under summer 2027, with Motherwell holding an option of a further year.

"Tawanda has made huge strides in his development," manager Jens Berthel Askou said.

"His speed and aggressiveness pose a constant threat to any defence in the league, both in and out of possession, and his start to this season has been nothing short of impressive.

"He has shown a strong desire to improve and an excellent ability to use his strengths for the benefit of the team."

Maswanhise says it was a "straightforward choice" to extend his stay, adding: "I will keep working hard and giving my all for this football club."

We asked for your views on what Motherwell should do with the club record transfer fee banked from Lennon Miller's move to Udinese.

Here's what some of you said:

Gary: We need at least three players so funds should be made available, but we also need to invest in training facilities and the Phil O'Donnell stand which ideally would be demolished and rebuilt if possible.

Derek: Part of it definitely needs to improve the squad, but the majority needs to go towards various stadium improvements, particularly in the Phil O'Donnell stand which requires a lot of work and the continued upgrade to the current training facility which we have already been investing in so far.

Jamie: We need to mix it, we're in need of a proper training ground, but also in need to bolster the squad for this season and seasons to come. New signings and contracts come first for me, then what we have left we can provide for facilities.

Camy: Hopefully modernisation of Fir Park is high up on the board's agenda. We saw Aberdeen install a screen. Hopefully things along those lines. Hopefully the manager can get a chunk of that as well to fund the stuff on the park. We are not far away.

Mark: We need at least three signings. Reinforce the central defence. Attempt to replace Lennon's creativity in the midfield and an out-and-out striker. Lennon was fantastic but with the funds we can seriously challenge for top six with smart signings.

Ross: Motherwell should invest some of the money into the repair and upgrade of seating in the Phil O'Donnell main stand. The place is looking quite tired and dated.

Glyn: I believe a large portion of it should be set aside to construct a purpose-built training facility, and the remainder used to bolster the current squad.

Motherwell held their nerve on the Lennon Miller departure. It would have been easy to be bullied and jump into the first offer that came along, but they were adamant they had a valuation.

They weren't just going to sell on the cheap and they got the just reward with Miller's club record sale to Udinese. It shows there's a real positivity in Scottish football that when you've got a good, young, talented footballer, hold on to them as best you can.

It also shows if you give them the pathway and allow them to progress into your first team they can make you money. All round it's a good deal for the club.

It's an excellent deal for Lennon. He gets a chance to go and experience something new and Motherwell now have a big pot of money and the question is what do they do next?

They won't be getting that in a lump sum, it will be drip fed in over a period of time. It's always nice to know you've got money coming in every season as you progress and I'm sure there'll be targets that Lennon can meet to make Motherwell even more money.

They have be wary they don't waste it. That was the one observation I had after the club got the money from David Turnbull's move to Celtic. I almost felt it was just frittered away and wasn't really invested in anything.

They'll be clearly aware of agents and players contacting the club wanting to move to Motherwell now because they've got some money in the bank. They'll want excess wages so they've got to be wary of that.

There's potential to improve the infrastructure at the training ground, then look at the investment into the youth academy. Ultimately that's where Miller has come from and where the likes of Turnbull and James McFadden came from over the years, so invest in there.

The players are there, you just have to find them. There's money there, there's talent there, you just have to nurture it.

Stephen Craigan was speaking to BBC Sport Scotland's Andy Burke

Lennon Miller has left - so what now for Motherwell?

The Scotland midfielder's exit to Udinese has given the club their biggest sale - a reported £4.75m - so how should the money be best utilised?

Will it safeguard the club's future? Should it fund a training ground? And what about improving the squad?

Let us know your thoughts.

Udinese paid Motherwell £4.7m, plus add-ons, for 18-year-old Scotland midfielder Lennon Miller and have also inserted a sell-on clause in the move, with the fee setting a new record - surpassing the £3.25m Well secured from Celtic for David Turnbull in 2020. (Anthony Joseph on X), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish gossip

Image source, SNS

Lennon Miller says Motherwell "has a big place in my heart" as the 18-year-old issued a farewell message of gratitude to the club and supporters.

Midfielder Miller's move to Udinese for a reported fee of £4.75m makes him the club's record sale, eclipsing David Turnbull's switch to Celtic five years ago.

"Motherwell is all I've ever known," Miller told the Fir Park club's website.

"It's been my home since I was a young boy and I've achieved my dream of playing in the first team, playing in the big stadiums and wearing the armband.

"My thanks goes to all the supporters for taking me in. The support up and down the country every week has been exceptional. For all the coaches I've worked under and who have helped me improve as a player and as a man, thank you. I simply wouldn't be here without their guidance and support.

"To all the players who I've played alongside with, and for all the kind words they've said about me, thank you. My team-mates have helped me through everything and allowed me to play with freedom.

"I want to also express my appreciation to all the staff behind the scenes at the club. Some are still there, some have moved on, but they all work so hard to keep the place going. You may not see first-hand the hard work and sacrifices they make, but having been in the building all these years, I can't thank them enough for everything they do.

"This is a new chapter in my life, and I move on filled with excitement. I may not be at Fir Park to cheer on the boys, but I'll be watching and following from afar. The club has a big place in my heart and I will always be grateful. I wish all the lads the best for the rest of the season.

"Mon the Well."

Image source, SNS

We asked for your views on Lennon Miller, who has now completed his move to Udinese to earn Motherwell a club record fee.

Here's what some of you said:

Stuart: I am delighted to see Lennon spread his wings and move abroad. Italy has proven to be a positive place for several Scots. Also delighted he's not moved to either Old Firm.

Colin: Fantastic move for Miller. Playing in Serie A can only benefit his progression as I believe he will still play a lot of first-team football. He's a massive talent and with the right move at this stage in his career it can only benefit him and the Scotland national team. Wish him every success.

KP: Although sorry to see Lennon go I wish him all the best. He has been a real asset to the club. He is an outstanding player with an instinctive talent for football and it has been a joy to watch him play. Hopefully, he will continue to blossom at his new club and the Scotland squad. Good luck!

Gary: It's a great move for the lad, he follows great Scottish talent heading out to play in Serie A and will grow as a player. Glad the saga is over from a Motherwell perspective, we can now look to invest the funds back into giving Jens Berthel Askou attacking options. Top six is back on!

Ross: Miller is a fantastic talent and will go far in the game if he keeps his head down and concentrates on his football. It's also clear to me that he has a supportive family behind him with experience that will help him. I'm happy for him to make a move up the ladder so long as his value is met and the club benefits financially.

Ricky: Miller has been a godsend to Motherwell and we will miss his presence around Fir Park. He's been class since the moment he played and was amazing with my children as well, always happy for photos and autographs and the fame never bothered him, he just wanted to play football. So gutted he is going but great to see him progress in his career. Thank you Lennon.

Image source, SNS

Lennon Miller isn't just impressive on the pitch. He's a standout on paper too.

The Motherwell midfielder looks destined for a big-money move to Italian club Udinese after flying out to Italy on Monday.

Miller, 18, is a dream data-driven transfer target, says former Premiership striker Rory Loy, who hopes the 18-year-old can be the latest Serie A Scottish success after the likes of Scott McTominay, Billy Gilmour and Lewis Ferguson.

"In the modern game with data and analytics and the way people try and recruit players, it's almost tick box rather than actually watching them, and Lennon Miller must tick every single box and every single person's sheet," said Loy on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"He's very young, he's 18 years old, he's played over 70 first-team games in the middle of the pitch, he's a good height, so I'm not surprised there's been so much interest in him and he's technically very gifted as well.

"I spoke to Lee, his dad, at a Scotland Under-21s game last year against France at the Falkirk Stadium. I got the impression that going abroad would have been Lennon's first choice.

"It doesn't surprise me that he's on a plane out to Udinese. I would imagine that deal will get done at some point and hopefully he can go and have the impact on Serie A which our other Scottish players have had in recent years."

Jenna Thomson
Fan writer

After a point secured at St Mirren we are in a stable position - and still undefeated under Jens Berthel Askou.

With the Paisley stalemate the first of three road trips in succession, I was pondering what makes the perfect away day.

Personally, I prefer a journey that can be done fairly conveniently rather than what feels like a trip you'd make to go on holiday. For example, the SMISA is a half-four train ride from Motherwell, whereas Pittodrie is a four-hour journey.

I have visited a few different stadiums and the most enjoyable away days have been St Mirren, Raith Rovers and Hamilton's New Douglas Park.

The results don't aren't a make or break factor since I have yet to see Motherwell win at the SMISA or at Stark's Park. The memories made and people met at these games are why they are some of my most enjoyable times following the Steelmen. The pies were also not half bad.

I have secured my ticket and bus seat for St Johnstone away in the League Cup this weekend and will be trying to get to Tynecastle the following Saturday too. Both are trips I haven't made before and with luck, we will still be unbeaten.

Udinese have agreed a £4.3m fee, inclusive of add-ons, with Motherwell for Lennon Miller, with the 18-year-old Scotland midfielder expected to undergo a medical with the Serie A club on Tuesday. (Sky Sports), external

Ipswich Town failed in a bid to sign Lennon Miller, with the 18-year-old Scotland midfielder preferring to join Udinese after the Serie A club agreed a £4.75m fee with Motherwell. (Scottish Sun), external

Scotland midfielder Lennon Miller has left Glasgow Airport for Italy, where the Motherwell 18-year-old is reportedly to undergo a medical with Udinese.

'Well fans, what do you make of the move? Are you disappointed to see him go or happy the club will bank a fee for him? What did you make of his time at Fir Park?

Do you expect him to flourish on the continent like many other Scots have recently?

Give us your thoughts here.

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Calum Ward - Motherwell: Kept a clean sheet, and Sportscene icon Archie Macpherson waxed lyrical about him. That will do for me.

Udinese are pursuing a £4.5m deal to take Motherwell midfielder Lennon Miller to Serie A having had a £2.5m offer rejected for the 18-year-old Scotland international in January. (The Herald), external

Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Image source, SNS

Watch highlights of St Mirren 0-0 Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership.

Image source, SNS

Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou admitted he made a late call on Lennon Miller's omission from the squad that played out a goalless draw with St Mirren on Saturday.

The 18-year-old has missed the start of the season with an injury picked up in a pre-season friendly against Carlisle.

"Yes, it was a final call with everything taken into consideration," Askou said. "It's not a secret that there are things going on in the background. We know he's been out for four weeks.

"How much risk are you willing to take on a player like him in that situation? The decision was that we kept him out of it."

The teenager, who won his first Scotland caps at the end of last season, is widely expected to leave Motherwell this summer with plenty of clubs fighting for his signature.

"No, there's nothing I can tell," said Askou when asked for an update on Miller's seemingly imminent departure.

"I've been busy with the game today so I haven't really heard any updates since early this morning."

Another player who might miss the next game is right-back Johnny Koutroumbis, who has enjoyed a good start to the season, but went off with an injury in the first half in Paisley.

"We'll have to assess him tomorrow (Sunday)," said Askou. "I hope it's not too bad. He was not on a stretcher. He was walking and seemed OK but we'll have to assess that when we get back."

We asked for you views on Motherwell's 0-0 draw against St Mirren.

Here's what some of you said:

Ian: Motherwell were a good watch today but I worry about Calum Ward making preventable mistakes in and around his own area.

What was he thinking passing a lackadaisical ball to a St Mirren player just outside his box, almost giving them a golden opportunity to score? It's not the first time in recent weeks he has made strange decisions.

Wullie: Motherwell starting another season playing some very good football yet again. Will this be the season they keep it going? Or will poor results dictate and they revert to long ball directness as usual?