5 days ago
Askou on 'rare talent' Miller, financial decisions & Halliday
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 while working in the media 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 punditry work.
