Jens Berthel Askou is new Motherwell manager

Motherwell have appointed Jens Berthel Askou as their new manager.

The 42-year-old Dane was most recently assistant manager at FC Copenhagen and has had spells in charge 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.

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 Gothenburg 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.”