ALFRED JOHANSSON APPOINTED MOTHERWELL MANAGER

Alfred Johansson has been named manager of Motherwell, taking charge of the Scottish Premiership club following Jens Berthel Askou's departure to Toulouse. Johansson, 35, previously managed Rosenborg in Norway for two-and-a-half years before his departure in May. Motherwell chairman Kyrk Macmillan stated the club employed a "data-driven process" to identify the appointment, the same methodology used to recruit Askou and predecessor Michael Wimmer. Macmillan said Johansson possessed "the correct characteristics to lead and deliver on his ideas" and described him as "a determined and ambitious young manager".

Johansson did not pursue a professional playing career, instead beginning his coaching background in youth football in Sweden. He served as academy manager at Djurgardens before progressing to youth roles at FC Copenhagen, reaching Under-19 level. At Rosenborg, appointed head coach in December 2023, he won 71 of his 131 matches. In his first statement, Johansson highlighted the club's trajectory and the quality of the available squad, committing to build on last season's achievements.

Motherwell accumulated 61 points in Askou's single league campaign in Scotland, securing 16 victories from 38 matches. The club will face Havnar Boltfelag of the Faroe Islands in a Conference League second qualifying round first leg on 23 July, with their Scottish Premiership season opening away to Hibernian on 2 August. Johansson indicated immediate work would commence with the playing group.