Motherwell have confirmed that manager Jens Berthel Askou has left the club to join French Ligue 1 side Toulouse following a sensational season at Fir Park.
The Danish coach departs after just 11 months in charge, having transformed Motherwell into one of the surprise stories of Scottish football.
Under Askou, the Steelmen secured European football for the first time since 2022 and produced their best full Premiership finish in over a decade.
Motherwell’s campaign included memorable victories over Celtic and Rangers, while goalkeeper Calum Ward and forward Tawanda Maswanhise finished atop the Premiership’s Golden Glove and Golden Boot charts respectively.
Motherwell revealed that Toulouse made a formal approach in recent days before agreeing compensation with the Scottish club.
Personal terms were then finalised, paving the way for Askou’s switch to France.
The 42-year-old leaves with the club on a high after sealing fourth place and UEFA Conference League qualification with a decisive win over Hibernian on the final day of the season.
Speaking after the move was confirmed, Askou paid tribute to everyone connected with Motherwell and reflected on a memorable spell in Scotland.
“Grateful is the best word to describe how I feel about my time as a manager of Motherwell FC,” Askou said.
“This past year has been an amazing journey. The buy-in and support from players, staff, board members, volunteers and supporters have been invaluable for me to lead the development of the club.
“There have been so many special moments along the way, but the way the season ended with a hard-fought win at Easter Road, leaving the club in a position of chasing European football next season, couldn’t have been written better.
“Special opportunities come rare in football. And you don’t know when they present themselves. So sometimes you have to leave great things behind to create new ones no matter how hard it is.
“This year has not just been a year of joy, excitement, togetherness and success. It has also been a glimpse into the future. A glimpse of what this club is capable of when executing ambitions strategically and boldly.
“Now I will follow this future from outside. Excited and optimistic on behalf of everyone at Motherwell Football Club. Knowing that I played a small part. And with memories of something truly special.
“A huge THANK YOU to everyone who I’ve met along the way. Mon the Well.”
Motherwell chairman Kyrk Macmillan admitted losing Askou is disappointing but stressed the club already has a long-term structure in place to maintain momentum heading into next season.
Macmillan also highlighted the club’s growing support base, revealing attendances at Fir Park increased by 40 percent during the campaign.
“First of all, I want to wish Jens all the very best for the future,” Macmillan stated.
“When we brought Jens to Motherwell, there was an understanding that if there was success, the club wouldn’t stand in the way of Jens progressing to his next club if it was the correct opportunity at the right time.
“Toulouse is a club playing in one of the top-five divisions in Europe, and it is an excellent opportunity for him. I hope this move brings him more success. Thank you, Jens.
“This season has been a special one. I’m a Motherwell fan, and it has been a joy to watch the team operate at such a high level.
“There’s lots to be excited about. We have over 20 contracted first-team players, European football on the horizon and crowds are 40% up at Fir Park.”
Despite Askou’s departure, Motherwell remain in a strong position heading into the 2026/27 season.
The club already has more than 20 first-team players under contract and preparations are underway for a European campaign later this summer.
Recruitment for a new manager has already begun, with players set to return for pre-season on June 18.
Toosin is a dedicated sports writer with a strong background in crafting engaging and insightful content. With experience at Goal, he has developed a sharp editorial sense and a refined storytelling approach that brings depth and perspective to sports journalism. His passion for the game goes beyond the headlines, as he captures both the excitement of the sport and the compelling human narratives behind each event. Toosin’s work resonates with a broad and diverse audience, making global sports stories accessible, relatable, and impactful.
