Motherwell

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Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou suggested there was a foul on his goalkeeper for Kilmarnock's equaliser.

"We had full control and anything can happen in football," he told BBC Scotland. "If the referee sees the touch, he gives the foul. It was very subtle, then you are 2-2 in a game you should win.

"I don't think there's clear indication in the cameras. I've seen Calum [Ward] catch these balls a million times. He had control of the situation - I believe him when he says there was a touch.

"We had the opportunity to close down the game before that. It was important to see that reaction and stability on the pitch. We had to really work hard to earn our chances today.

"We've had the opportunity to get more points, but we have points in every game. There's a lot of dominance and a lot of control. We are trying to be more productive and effective."

Danish club Kolding are keen on Motherwell centre-half Kofi Balmer and the Scottish Premiership club are unlikely to stand in the 24-year-old Northern Ireland international's way. (Daily Record), external

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Motherwell have defenders Johnny Koutroumbis and Liam Gordon available again and could involve new midfielder Oscar Priestman.

But Tom Sparrow remains out alongside long-term absentees Sam Nicholson, Filip Stuparevic (both knee) and Zach Robinson (Achilles).

Kilmarnock will assess Jamie Brandon's groin issue while Scott Tiffoney (calf) remains out.

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Midfielder Lukas Fadinger is enjoying Motherwell's "brave" style of play but says improvements must be made as they eye a first Premiership win of the season.

The Fir Park club have drawn their opening three games against Rangers, St Mirren and Hearts under new manager Jens Berthel Askou.

And the attacking, possession-based style of play Askou has implemented is becoming popular among supporters as well as players.

Speaking before Saturday's game with Kilmarnock, Fadinger said: "There are a lot of new players here and everyone is pleased with the style of play.

"It also suits perfectly with how I want to play. I think it's getting better and you can see on the pitch we enjoy playing football.

"It's also different to how we played in Austria. I was used to having the ball and playing football so it's not completely new for me and I'm a player who wants the ball all the time. I have settled in well and enjoy how we play.

"We did a brilliant, brilliant job for the first 60 minutes [against Hearts], but we need to improve how we protect the lead and how we bring it over the line. I think we can do it better at the weekend."

The 24-year-old has also stressed the need for bravery as Motherwell play out from the back and utilise the goalkeeper in building play deep in their half.

"Every player has to think the same way," the midfielder added.

"Mistakes can happen all the time but the important thing is you are going to be brave and still try it the next time.

"It gives you confidence if you know it works but we still need to get it over the line to win our first game."

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Motherwell full-back Ewan Wilson has joined Raith Rovers on a loan deal until January.

The 20-year-old academy graduate had a breakthrough season at Fir Park last term, making 39 appearances, and featured in four League Cup group games this summer.

"Over the summer we've added more competition in his position and see this as a great opportunity for Ewan to continue his development," said manager Jens Berthel Askou.

"He's made his transition into senior football as a promising and talented left-back and we hope that getting more minutes in a very competitive environment will push him to reach the next level."

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• Motherwell are unbeaten in their past seven home league games against Kilmarnock (W4 D3) since going down 2-0 in December 2020.

• Kilmarnock conceded more goals in their last league meeting with Motherwell, a 3-0 defeat in May, than their previous five beforehand (two). Indeed, it was their heaviest league defeat to the Steelmen since January 2010 (also 3-0).

• Both Motherwell and Kilmarnock have drawn all three of their league games this season; no side has drawn each of their opening four games of a Scottish top-flight campaign in the 21st century (Rangers could also do this on matchday four).

• Motherwell are unbeaten in six home league games (W3 D3), their longest such run since May 2015 (seven) under Ian Baraclough.

• Kilmarnock have won just one of their past 14 away league outings (D3 L10), a 2-0 victory at St Johnstone in May.

George O'Neill
BBC Sport Scotland

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Stuart Kettlewell insists Saturday's trip to Fir Park is about three points and not himself.

The Kilmarnock manager was in the Motherwell dugout between February 2023 and January 2025, resigning due to fan abuse.

He has guided Killie to three successive draws at the start of the new Premiership season, while Motherwell have the same league record and are yet to lose under new boss Jens Berthel Askou.

And Kettlewell wants the focus to be on the football, rather than his return.

"I've been back to an old club before," he said. "It's something that happens it football.

"The last time I saw a lot of the people that will be there was at my wedding. That gives you an indication of the relationship I had with the players and staff.

"I don't wish Motherwell any ill health or bad luck at all. I can't control what narrative people will put on [the game].

"We could all see there was a lot of support towards myself from the fanbase, the staff and the players, but we all move on.

"I want to go to try to win three points for this Kilmarnock side. I'll not get too lost in it, but I understand other people might do.

"I try to act as professional as I can. It's not about me. I hope you all know that I have never felt this is about me. I believe in being humble and not having an ego."

Scott Mullen
BBC Sport Scotland

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Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou says Stuart Kettlewell deserves to be treated with respect when he returns to Fir Park this weekend for the first time since leaving as boss.

The current Kilmarnock manager resigned from his Motherwell post in January, citing fan abuse towards him as results slumped.

However, Askou, who took charge this summer following Michael Wimmer's brief reign, is not concerned about emotions spilling over when the Rugby Park side visit in the Premiership on Saturday.

"I've heard that there have been things before my time here," said the Dane.

"For me, and I think it's the same for Stuart, it's a game between Motherwell and Kilmarnock. There have been games in the Scottish Premier League for many, many years.

"It's just another one. Obviously, it's maybe a little bit special for him to come back to a place that has meant a lot to him. He's been here for about two years and he's done very, very well in terms of working hard for this club.

"Now he's in Kilmarnock, coming back. What I will just say is I hope every player, coach, staff member or volunteer that leaves Motherwell and comes back in whatever role he or she comes back in, that they will be treated with the respect that they deserve.

"As I said in the beginning, it's a game against Motherwell and Kilmarnock."

In the last week Askou has recruited former Ross County striker Regan Charles-Cook and Australian midfielder Oscar Priestman.

Asked by the BBC if more would be coming in, the Motherwell manager said: "There's been a lot of change. Now it's the final pieces.

"We'll see if there's one or two new faces, or maybe we'll sharpen up the squad a little bit the other way as well."

Scott Mullen
BBC Sport Scotland

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Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou has been speaking to the media before the game with Kilmarnock this weekend.

Here are the key points from his press conference:

• Despite being undefeated this season, Motherwell have yet to win but Askou will not abandon his football principles for the sake of getting that first victory "ticked".

• Askou believes there's a variation in teams from what he's seen in Scotland. He is keen to restrict aerial balls and take "second balls out of the game".

• He says there is "a lot more to come" from this group, while indicating there may be one or two players still to come in before the window closes on Monday. Motherwell may also "sharpen up the squad at the other end as well".

• Askou has warned against laziness on the back of recent praise.

• The Well boss also said his team need to improve on how they deal with pressure after spurning a three-goal lead at Tynecastle last week.

• Askou has called for Killie's Stuart Kettlewell to be treated with respect as the former Motherwell boss makes his first return to Fir Park since he left in January citing personal abuse.

• Johnny Koutroumbis is in full training and could be ready to play on Saturday. Liam Gordon is also in full training.

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

For the neutral, Motherwell's visit to Tynecastle provided quite the entertainment. For the manager, it was a different story.

"Frustration" and "anger" were just two emotions Jens Berthel Askou admitted he was feeling afterwards.

A point at Tynecastle, no embarrassment in that. But letting a three-goal lead slip was a real sore one.

However, there were plenty of positives to take from the first 60 minutes. Some of the link-up play and brave passing was sublime, and finding the net three times when scoring has been an issue was a big plus.

The manager will want to focus on everything that was good about their play as they build up to Saturday's meeting with Kilmarnock, but it will be more important to address what went wrong and why.

Take nothing away from Hearts and Claudio Braga, whose tenacity and quality dragged Hearts back into the game. He disrupted Motherwell's momentum.

That's what Askou will be centring his analysis around.

He also might question decision-making on the ball. Some of Hearts' attacks stemmed from Motherwell's slackness in possession, and dangerous situations then became unchallenged at times.

That said, there are definite signs the manager's bold style is starting to click, but last Saturday's wild draw demonstrates it's still a work in progress.

Askou says his side, who welcome a familiar face in Stuart Kettlewell this weekend, will have "fire in their eyes" and be "ready to chase three points" on Saturday.

To do that they'll need a 90-minute performance.

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Oscar Priestman is ready to grasp a "big chance to progress my career" after joining Motherwell for an undisclosed fee from Western Sydney Wanderers.

The midfielder, 22, has signed a three-year deal to become Jens Berthel Askou's 10th summer recruit.

"I'm really grateful and excited to have the opportunity to represent this special football club," Priestman said.

"I see this as a big chance to progress my career, and the environment here with all the players and staff seems the perfect fit for me.

"I'm looking forward to getting settled in Scotland and getting to work. I can't wait to play in front of all the supporters at Fir Park, and hopefully I can contribute to the team having a really successful season."

Priestman rose through the Sydney FC academy and made two first-team appearances before moving in 2023 to Wanderers, where he played more than 50 games in Australia's A-League.

The Australia Under-23 international follows former team-mates Zac Sapsford and Nicolas Milanovic, who joined Dundee United and Aberdeen respectively, in switching to the Scottish Premiership this summer.

And Preiestman has two compatriots, Apostolos Stamatelopoulos and Johnny Koutroumbis, for company at Fir Park.

"Over the years scouting the Australian market has been very fruitful for us, and through data and our scouting network we have identified Oscar to be our next success story from Down Under," said Motherwell boss Askou.

"At 22 he's already had good exposure in the A-League. He's shown his big talent and potential as a dynamic and athletic central midfielder with good feet, solid body language and a great workrate.

"We look forward to developing his abilities even further and seeing him grow in our environment."

Jenna Thomson
Fan writer

It seems as though lately only a few things are certain in life. Death, taxes and Motherwell drawing.

The standard of football we play is increasing every game, however, we are incapable of winning in the league.

We do remain unbeaten since Jens Berthel Askou took over, but a full three points would be appreciated. Even a three-goal lead can't guarantee victory, as proved by the spectacular collapse at Tynecastle.

Our problem is we lack a proven goalscorer. Yes, we got three goals but Apostolos Stamatelopoulos needs a million shots on target to find the net. Regan Charles-Cook should hopefully solve this problem, and I cannot wait to see him tear through the league.

With less than a week left of the transfer window I would like to see us spend some more of the Lennon Miller transfer fee and get another striker in.

I can't complain too much, though, as things are going well in the 'Shire.

Watch Sportscene pundit Steven Naismith analyse Motherwell's performance at Tynecastle on Saturday and the impact of manager Jens Berthel Askou.

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Motherwell played wonderfully well for just over an hour at Tynecastle on Saturday, eventually drawing a Premiership classic 3-3. Jens Berthel Askou's side have three players in my team of the week.

Stephen O'Donnell delivered an impressive showing in defence, Callum Slattery conducts the Motherwell orchestra from midfield with intelligent authority, while Elijah Just was the pick of a brilliant bunch as Motherwell roared into a three-goal lead.

Two assists underlined the New Zealand international's impact.

Watch highlights as Hearts come back from three down to draw with Motherwell in a Scottish Premiership epic.

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Midfielder Elliot Watt was left speechless after Motherwell threw away a three-goal advantage in an incredible draw at Hearts.

For an hour, the Fir Park side were sublime as they raced into a comfortable lead at a stunned Tynecastle.

But the hosts scored three times in the space of 18 minutes to claim an unlikely point.

"Struggling to find the words at the minute," Watt told BBC Scotland in the aftermath of the six-goal thriller.

"We were in total control for 65 minutes, something like that, and then a few wobbly moments obviously lead to them getting the first goal back.

"I don't think there'll be many teams who come away to Tynecastle and perform how we've performed for the first 65 minutes, so there are a lot of positives to take, but at the same time a lot we can improve on."

Watt, who spent time on loan at St Johnstone last season before leaving Burton for Motherwell, added: "I've never been so confident in a team I've played in. We've got some top, top players and some amazing staff in there.

"We're still adding to the group. We're adding quality and the boys who are here currently have all gelled really well and we all really understand the way the manager wants us to play."

We asked for your views on Motherwell's 3-3 draw against Hearts.

Here's what some of you said:

Charles: Who is to blame for this? If you are three up, there is no way the other team should be able to come back from that. They should be demoralised at that stage and continued pressure should ensure that they can't possibly come back. The only way that is possible is if the dominant team takes their foot off the pedal and sits back in order to defend their lead. When that happens, the other team has a chance to attack and eventually will make a breakthrough. The best form of defence is always to attack.

Derek: Some fantastic football for 60 minutes or so, as good as I can remember from a Motherwell side, obviously extremely disappointing to throw away a three goal lead, goalkeeper needs to be better for two of the goals and given our style of play we will see a lot of wild games this season and I very much look forward to that.

Robert: It wasn't a draw. At 3-0 ahead, to end up at 3-3, represents a collapse. Well done to Hearts for getting back to parity. However, it's two points dropped for Motherwell.

James: Gutted not to get the victory. Up until 3-0, we were superb. Even better than our second half against Rangers. Can't complain about Hearts' comeback, their last half hour deserved it. Would I have taken a draw before the game? Absolutely.

George: Clearly disappointing to give away such a strong winning position, but we would have taken the draw if it was offered before kick off. Good news is that being disappointed at a draw away from home shows the impact of our manager and his playing philosophy has had on team and fans already!

Hearts roared back from three goals down to earn a draw at home to Motherwell in a ridiculous six-goal Scottish Premiership thriller.

Despite shipping a three-goal lead, how much confidence did Motherwell's performance give you for the season ahead?

Share your views.

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Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou: "We played fantastic football for most of the game.

"We knew when Hearts had their spells they could put us under pressure. When they could convert their play into aerial duels and second balls.

"We know they have qualities at set pieces, really dangerous, and whatever drops around the box.

"We wanted to keep them away from that as long as we could. We succeeded well until we lost a bit of momentum.

"Especially our decisions on the ball when we were up 2-0 or 3-0 up. We should have had longer spells on the ball rather than going so direct all the time and giving them the ball.

"But we also created two really good goals by being direct so it's difficult to find the perfect balance all the time.

"Credit to Hearts, they did well to fight their way back into the game. Both teams went for it at the end.

"When they equalise and the stadium explodes, the normal reaction is to collapse. But we stuck to our guns and tried to get the maximum from the game."

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Hearts will be without goalkeepers Ryan Fulton (groin) and Craig Gordon (shoulder), as well as Jamie McCart (ankle), Kenneth Vargas (hip), Finlay Pollock (hamstring) and Christian Borchgrevink (thigh).

Homegrown keepers Harry Stone and Liam McFarlane are vying for a place in the squad alongside Zander Clark.

Motherwell could hand a debut to Callum Hendry and welcome back Liam Gordon and Callum Slattery.

Tom Sparrow drops out and Jonny Koutroumbis remains on the sidelines along with long-term absentees Sam Nicholson, Filip Stuparevic (both knee) and Zach Robinson (Achilles).

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Motherwell have signed "exciting" former Scottish Premiership top scorer Regan Charles-Cook on a two-year contract.

The 28-year-old Grenada forward was a free agent this summer after leaving Belgian side KAS Eupen.

Charles-Cook jointly topped the Premiership scoring charts with 13 goals - and was nominated for PFA Scotland player of the year - in his final season with Ross County before joining Eupen in summer 2022.

During his three years in Belgium - two of them in the top flight - he made 91 appearances and scored 13 goals.

"With Regan joining us, we've added another exciting attacking player with a history of producing chances and scoring goals both in the UK and abroad," said manager Jens Berthel Askou.

"He thrives in one v one situations in wide areas as well as being confident within the opposition's structure.

"We are delighted to welcome him and excited about him bringing even more qualities and competition to our squad."

Charles-Cook says he knows the league very well, adding: "Everyone is talking about the way the team has been playing, and to get the opportunity to be a part of that system is appreciated."

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Calum Ward is relishing the role as Motherwell's first-choice goalkeeper after admitting he was only "making up the numbers" when he arrived.

Ward was the third goalkeeper to join Motherwell in January after injuries to Aston Oxborough and new loan signing Archie Mair left the then managerless side short.

The 24-year-old sat on the bench as cover for another loan arrival, Ellery Balcombe, until Oxborough recovered from a broken bone in his hand, but was handed a one-year contract by Michael Wimmer towards the end of the season.

Ward then found himself in possession of the number one spot in Jens Berthel Askou's side after Oxborough suffered another injury in pre-season and Matty Connolly was loaned to Airdrie.

"When I came in in January, I came knowing I was making up the numbers to an extent and just training hard and trying to improve the boys around me and just bring more of that competitive edge to the squad," Ward said.

"But obviously this year I've been given my chance and I've just got to try and keep playing well and stay in the team basically.

"When the chances come you've got take them. With Aston getting injured, which is obviously not the way you want to make the spot your own, but the gaffer spoke to me and said 'this is your chance to try and take it'.

"Throughout pre-season I feel like I've done that and obviously been rewarded by starting the season and still playing now."

Ward has kept three clean sheets in his past four matches and had to get used to a new way of playing, with Askou keen for his goalkeeper to get involved in possession play.

"I'm not fully used to it, but I've had background of playing with the ball on the floor and playing out from the back," he said prior to Saturday's Premiership encounter against Hearts.

"But this is obviously a bit of a next step, playing so high. I'm really enjoying it. I've done well so far and just obviously keep looking to improve in training every day and it's something that I'm enjoying and happy doing.

"When you step so high, you're almost like an extra centre-back. We're told to be risky and be brave, but you've got to be smart at the same time. You can't take so many risks, you've got to not risk the ball too much."