Football Season Guide

Motherwell were rocked during the summer with the surprise resignation of head coach Michael Wimmer, who cited family issues for leaving the club. They have now appointed Jens Berhel Askou as their new boss, with the Dane attempting to install a new philosophy at Fir Park. The Steelmen suffered from the shock resignation of Stuart Kettlewell last season. He had done exceptionally well on a limited budget, though he was not favoured by the fans due to the dour football that was typically played. In truth, the supporters were spoiled by the results Kettlewell achieved and they fell away after he resigned. The fan-owned side have had to take supporter views on board and Askou is expected to play a more attractive brand of football. That’s been evident early in the season as the League Cup campaign has showcased Motherwell trying to play passing football through the lines. It has had a mixed effect so far. Over the course of the summer, there has been an exodus from what was an enormous squad. Motherwell heavily utilised the loan market last summer but none of the 10 players who have departed during the summer proved particularly influential in the starting XI with the fleeting exception of striker Luke Armstrong and Marvin Kaleta. Motherwell played with three at the back last season but have adopted a 4-4-2 system so far this season. Experience underpins the team in the middle of the rearguard, with all their options in this area 29 or older. In the midfield, Callum Slattery is set to be the key player with teenager Lennon Miller liable to be sold before the end of the transfer window. Otherwise, the midfield has been totally overhauled. The new players have yet to shine. Equally, the strikers are something of an unknown quantity. Apostolos Stamatelopus spent much of last season injured while the exciting Tawanda Maswanhise did not easily suit the 3-5-2 that Motherwell often played. They are still carrying a big squad, and given a repeat of last season’s persistent injury problems is unlikely, Askou will have decisions to make on a weekly basis. The roster looks too busy to be truly effective, though.