Motherwell appoint Johansson as Askou successor

Johansson managed Rosenborg in last season's Conference League qualifiers [Getty Images] Alfred Johansson is the new manager at Motherwell, with the Swede aiming to build on the success of last season at Fir Park. The 35-year-old takes over from Jens Berthel Askou, who led the club to fourth place in the Scottish Premiership before departing for Toulouse. Johansson spent two-and-a-half-years in charge of Rosenborg in Norway before he was sacked in May. Motherwell say they followed the "same data-driven process" that unearthed Askou and previous boss Michael Wimmer. "The data plays a key role to ensure the game model aligns with how we want to play and continues our evolution, but the process is also blended with ensuring we bring good people to the club," said chairman Kyrk Macmillan. "There is a strong belief that Alfred has the correct characteristics to lead and deliver on his ideas. He is a determined and ambitious young manager who wants to continue the success we had last season." Just's 'incredible' World Cup double 'adds zeros' to Well value Just's rise from Austrian second tier to World Cup breakout star Visit our Motherwell page for all the latest news, analysis and fan views Motherwell picked up 61 points in Askou's one league campaign in Scotland, winning 16 of their 38 games. Johansson, who did not play professional football, began youth coaching in his homeland and worked as academy manager at Djurgardens. He was youth manager in the second of his spells with FC Copenhagen, progressing to Under-19 level. Rosenborg made him their head coach in December 2023 and he went on to win 71 of his 131 matches. "I've analysed the club closely, and the direction that it's going in is of huge importance to me," said Johansson. "Last season was hugely successful, and I want to be able to carry this success forward. The squad of players we have is exciting, and we will get to work straight away." Motherwell meet Havnar Boltfelag of the Faroe Islands in the Conference League second qualifying round first leg on 23 July and open their Premiership campaign away to Hibernian on 2 August.