Askou appointment predictably unpredictable
It's becoming the Motherwell way to taken an alternative approach to things.
Much like the recruitment process for Michael Wimmer, the Fir Park club have gone down an unfamiliar route, bucking the trend of Hearts, Dundee and Kilmarnock, to bring in their new manager.
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Arguably Jens Berthel 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 like IFK Goteborg and FC Copenhagen on his CV.
He talks of being hungry for success, but success in Scotland may look quite different. With a budget that 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 and dynamic board led by chairman Kyrk MacMillan, who previously was a CEO with a Danish fashion firm, are attempting to forge their own path and do things their own way. 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 his star asset, Lennon Miller, whose value and profile will only have gone up since starring for Scotland on Monday.
Askou's appointment was predictably unpredictable. Knowing Scottish football, what happens next will most likely be the same.

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