Motherwell appoint Jens Berthel Askou as new manager

Motherwell have appointed Jens Berthel Askou as their new manager.

The Dane replaces Michael Wimmer who quit at the end of last season for personal reasons.

Askou, who most recently worked as assistant boss at Copenhagen and Sparta Prague, has previously managed IFK Gothenburg in Sweden, Horsens in Denmark, who he guided to top flight promotion and HB Torshavn in the Faroe Islands where he won a league and cup double as was named manager of the season.

The 42-year-old also spent time in the UK as a player with short spells at Norwich City and Millwall.

The Fir Park club announced the appointment on Thursday.

Askou, who will formally begin his duties as manager next week, subject to the approval of a work permit, said: “This is a really proud moment for me.

“It’s a huge honour to be selected to become the manager of Motherwell Football Club.

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

“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.”

Motherwell chairman Kyrk MacMillan said:“This has been a more rigorous process to recruit our new manager due to the incredible number of applications for the role.

“We had a high number of impressive applicants, but we were really drawn to Jens. His track record of working with big clubs, delivering success and developing young players matches up with all our philosophies here at Motherwell Football Club.

“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.

“We expect the UK work permit to be received in the coming days, and then he can commence his work on day one of pre-season.”