Motherwell have appointed Alfred Johansson as the club’s new manager, replacing Jens Berthel Askou at Fir Park.
The 35-year-old arrives in Lanarkshire after two-and-a-half years in charge of Norwegian top league side Rosenborg.
In his first season, he guided them to fourth place before finishing seventh the following year. He left the club last month just seven games into the new campaign.
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Motherwell secured a return to European football on the final day of last season
Askou, who left the Steelmen for Toulouse, was praised for implementing an attractive style of expansive and effective football as the Steelmen briefly threatened to challenge for the league title.
He led Motherwell to a fourth-placed finish with victory, securing a return to European football next season.
Johannson is confident he can build on that success.
“This is a huge honour for me,” he told Motherwell FC.
“To work at this football club and to lead is a privilege. I’ve analysed the club closely, and the direction that it’s going in is of huge importance to me. 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.
“There is no time to waste with European football next month and the league season starting in a few weeks. I can’t wait to get to know all the players and staff at the club, but most importantly, I’m looking forward to meeting the supporters. I’ll see you all very soon.”
Johansson replaces Jens Berthel Askou Fir Park
Chairman Kyrk Macmillan added: “Following the same data-driven process that we undertook to appoint the previous two managers of the football club, we believe Alfred is an excellent fit here at Motherwell. 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.
“We met with Alfred on a number of occasions, and he stood out as the best candidate to continue our journey at the club. It became evident from our conversations that there was a clear alignment between both parties, and we have built a strong relationship already. Identifying and appointing someone that fits with the type of people we want to work with is equally as important.
“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.
“It was important for the squad that we completed our detailed process of recruiting a new manager, but we were also conscious of time. With the players back in for pre-season this week, Alfred can begin working with his new squad ahead of a busy and exciting period for the football club.
“We were delighted with the connection our fans had with the team last season and we hope to take that even further this campaign”
