Jens Berthel Askou's Motherwell exit confirmed as Celtic-linked coach takes up Ligue 1 job

The French Ligue 1 club approached the Steelmen late last week and after the two parties agreed compensation, Askou was allowed to finalise personal terms with Toulouse. He has agreed a long-term deal with Les Violets.

Askou took over as Motherwell boss 11 months ago and guided them to fourth place in the Premiership, The Dane won plaudits for the style of football that he implemented at Fir Park and also how he improved players that he inherited. He was linked with the vacant Celtic job, but Toulouse have moved swiftly to secure his services.

A statement from Motherwell read: “Manager Jens Berthel Askou has today joined Ligue 1 side Toulouse.

The Danish boss has had a scintillating 11 months in Scottish football, establishing a clear playing identity and implementing a style that has seen Motherwell achieve European football for the first time since 2022.

“Finishing fourth place, Motherwell recorded their first win over Celtic in a decade, defeated Rangers at Ibrox, set a new record for clean sheets in a season and saw both Calum Ward and Tawanda Maswanhise finish top of both the Golden Glove and Golden Boot standings in the William Hill Premiership.

“Achieving our highest finish in a full season in the Scottish top-flight since 2013, Jens Berthel Askou will now move on to his next challenge. In recent days, the club received a formal approach from Toulouse seeking permission to speak to Askou. Reaching an agreed amount of compensation with the French side, both Askou and Toulouse negotiated personal terms as the final stage.

“With everything now agreed, we thank Jens for all his hard work this season. We wish him and his family all the very best for the future.”

Motherwell say that the process of identifying Askou’s successor is already under way, with the first-team squad due to return on June 18.

Askou paid tribute to Motherwell and said "Grateful is the best word to describe how I feel about my time as a manager of Motherwell.

"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."