Motherwell at 'advantaged stage' in search for new manager

Jens Berthel Askou departed Motherwell last month after a stellar season in charge [SNS] Motherwell are closing in on a new manager to replace Jens Berthel Askou, with the club saying their search is at an "advanced stage". The Dane left to join Ligue 1 side Toulouse three weeks ago after leading the Fir Park side to a fourth-placed finish. The Lanarkshire club say they have still been working on a "comprehensive pre-season schedule" despite having no manager in place. Motherwell will travel to Denmark at the end of this month for a seven-day training camp and will take on Danish champions AGF Aarhus in a friendly match on 5 July. Further pre-season fixtures have been arranged as the team prepare for European football, starting in the second round of Conference League qualifying. The draw takes place on 17 June, with the first leg on 23 July and the second leg the following week.