Motherwell appoint new boss after 'rigorous process' to name Michael Wimmer's successor
Jens Berthel Askou will take up the reins at Fir Park next week
Motherwell have appointed former Copenhagen assistant manager Jens Berthel Askou as their new boss.
The 42-year-old Dane will formally begin his role at the club next week, subject to the approval of a work permit, as he replaces Michael Wimmer.
A former Norwich City defender, Askou played under former Motherwell hero Paul Lambert, and is an ex-team mate of new Rangers boss Russell Martin.
Askou started coaching in Denmark in 2015, and was with several clubs in his homeland before moving to HB Torshavn in the Faroe Islands in 2019, where he won the league and League Cup, earning him manager of the season.
Spells at AC Horsens in Denmark in 2021, and at IFK Gotenborg in 2023 followed, and he helped lead Sparta Praha to the Champions League as assistant boss.
In January 2025 he joined FC Kobenhavn as assistant manager, winning the league and cup, and reaching the Europa Conference League knockout stages.
He told the club's website: '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.'
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 1 of pre-season.'
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