Motherwell

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"Versatile winger" Ibrahim Said will bring "speed, dribbling ability, high-intensity pressing and good finishing" to Motherwell, insists manager Jens Berthel Askou.

Nigerian Said, 23, joins on a two-year deal from Danish side Viborg FF for an undisclosed fee, with the Fir Park club holding the option of a further year.

"I am happy to be in the door," Said told the club's official website.

"This move has been long in the making and I'm excited about what the manager is trying to build here. There are good players in the squad and I hope I can excite everyone who comes to watch us play."

The former Nigeria youth international once attracted interest from Liverpool and Manchester City, but Askou added fans will need to be "patient" with his integration.

"We will need to be patient with his full integration into matches, as he is a few weeks behind the rest of the squad, but we have a clear plan to bring him up to speed," the manager said.

"At 23, Ibrahim is still young and has plenty of potential to grow and develop further. I'm confident he will thrive in our environment and become a very exciting player for our supporters to watch."

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Andy Halliday admits he "loves" the group stage of League Cup as the competition kicks off another season in Scottish football.

Motherwell begin their group campaign with a game against Clyde at New Douglas Park on Saturday and the midfielder is desperate to get into competitive action.

"I can't wait," said the 33-year-old. "It's funny, a lot of people kind of turn their nose up at the League Cup competition starting before the (league) season, but to be honest, I love it.

"I'm not a fan of friendlies, I never have been. There's nothing better than playing for something, playing for three points and playing with a crowd watching you as well, so I enjoy the cup competition coming early.

"You're not at maximum in terms of your squad, the numbers you're going to bring in and obviously your own personal fitness.

"But, I'd much rather get fit in competitive action than closed-door friendlies and playing in front of nobody."

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Manager Jens Berthel Askou has confirmed Paul McGinn will remain Motherwell captain, with Stephen O'Donnell, Liam Gordon, Lennon Miller and Andy Halliday forming a leadership group of vice-captains.

Each player "personifies the club's values and possesses invaluable leadership qualities that have been driving the culture of the club" Askou said.

McGinn, who was appointed captain last summer by then-manager Stuart Kettlewell following Liam Kelly's exit, hopes to "lead from the front" this campaign.

"It will always be an honour to be the captain of this football club," McGinn told club media.

"The dressing room has lots of experience within it, and I know we're going to need all of that throughout the season. Personally, I hope to be leading from the front a lot more this season.

"We have a good group, and the manager has been laying the groundwork and foundations for the upcoming campaign."

Askou, who will take of his first official game on Saturday against Clyde added: "They are very good footballers, but more importantly, they are people of loyalty, integrity, and empathy.

"They will protect our environment, keep everyone on their toes, and help people thrive."

Como have 18-year-old Motherwell midfielder Lennon Miller on their transfer wish list in addition to their £17m move for Celtic winger Nicolas Kuhn. (Sun), external

Read Friday's Scottish gossip

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

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Emmanuel Longelo will bring "power, strength, speed and athleticism" to Motherwell's left-hand side, says manager Jens Berthel Askou.

The 24-year-old left-back has joined from Birmingham City for an undisclosed fee on a two-year deal, with the Fir Park club holding an option of a further year.

A West Ham youth product who played in the Europa League for the Hammers, Longelo would move to Birmingham in 2023 for a reported £400,000 after a successful loan spell.

He would go on to play 45 times for Birmingham before spending last season on loan at third-tier Cambridge United, where he scored two goals in 19 games.

"We have been looking to add competition in the left-back position," said Well boss Askou.

"And Manny brings exactly what we need - breakthrough power, strength, speed and athleticism down our left side.

"We strongly believe he'll be a very valuable player for Motherwell in the years to come and look forward to giving him his first minutes in the game against Clyde on Saturday."

Longelo, who can also play in an advanced role on the left, added: "The prospect of coming to a new league is thrilling and I'm looking forward to learning new things."

Meanwhile, Fir Park boss Askou says interest is increasing in teenage midfielder Lennon Miller, but there is "nothing concrete" to reveal.

The Lanarkshire side start their competitive campaign this weekend with a trip to face Clyde in their League Cup group opener.

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New Zealand winger Elijah Just will add "tempo, speed and effectiveness" to Motherwell's attack after joining on a two-year deal, says manager Jens Berthel Askou.

The 25-year-old, who has eight goals in 36 international caps, has moved from Danish top-flight club Horsens, where Askou previously managed, for an undisclosed fee.

Just spent last season on loan in the Austrian second tier, scoring six goals in 19 games for SKN St Polten.

Askou, who worked with Just in Denmark, says the forward has "highly developed game intelligence" and is a "good and intelligent presser of the ball".

"He thrives in small spaces within the opposition's organisation, where his ability to dribble or link up causes big dilemmas," the Fir Park boss added.

"Driving the ball with speed and moving fast into dangerous areas, he'll use his strong finishing skills and creativity to create chances for his teammates.

"Elijah will add tempo, speed and effectiveness to our attacking game, and I really look forward to integrating him into the team."

Former Helsingor winger Just said: "It's great to be in the building and getting straight down to work. The season gets started this weekend, and I can't wait to get playing.

"The discussions with the manager have been inspiring. He told me about his vision at Motherwell, and it sounds like a place you want to be as a player."

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Andy Halliday's penalty was enough for Motherwell to end their pre-season with a friendly win over Carlisle United.

New Well forward Eseosa Sule was fouled in the box with 20 minutes left at Fir Park and veteran midfielder Halliday fired home from the spot for the only goal of the game.

Apostolos Stamatelopoulos came close on a number of occassions, finding the woodwork twice in the first half in a game Jens Berthel Askou's side dominated.

Askou will take charge of his first competitive Motherwell match on Saturday (12 July) when they visit League 2 Clyde in the League Cup.

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Joining Motherwell on a season-long loan "makes sense" to Eseosa Sule as the striker returns to Scotland from West Brom.

Sule, 19, spent over a decade with Scottish champions Celtic before moving to West Brom - who he has just signed a new deal with until the summer of 2027.

The forward has made one first-team appearance for the Baggies - in a League Cup game against Fleetwood Town - and says the opportunity for first-team minutes was one he "couldn't say no to".

"I'm excited for this move," Sule said.

"The chance to get regular first-team minutes was an opportunity I couldn't say no to. This move makes sense. Being from the area, I know the club and what it means to the supporters.

"Many players have come here, and it has helped their development. I hope to be the next player to experience that."

Sule arrives having been top goalscorer in Premier League 2 last season and Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou adds he is getting "a young forward with very interesting attributes".

"His speed, athleticism and ball-striking are all impressive," he said.

"He is a positive, energetic and eager young man who possesses great potential, and we really look forward to developing him into a very valuable and game-decisive player for the team."

Motherwell are set to snap up 19-year-old West Bromwich Albion striker Eseosa Sule on loan. (Daily Record), external

Read the rest of Friday's Scottish gossip.

Manager Jens Berthel Askou hailed a "brave and dynamic" display from Motherwell in their pre-season defeat to Eredivisie side Twente.

In the Danish boss' first match in charge, the Fir Park side were one down at the break before going on to lose 3-0 in the Netherlands.

Despite the loss against a "top, top opponent", Askou saw "some really good moments" but says there are "lots of things to improve on".

"We created some really good opportunities," he said. "The attitude and performance was spot on.

"We tried to take moments to press and there were some really good ball wins high up the pitch."

New signings Elliot Watt and Lukas Fadinger started the game, but Askou expects more incomings and says they will "lift the quality" in the squad and add depth.

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BBC Sport has taken a look at which players will be free agents on 1 July.

The majority of major football leagues run from late summer to late spring, with pre-season in June and July. Therefore, contracts across most divisions typically expire at 23:59 on 30 June each year.

Those whose contracts are expiring but have already agreed transfers to new clubs are not included, as they will not become free agents.

Some Scottish Premiership contracts expire on 31 May rather than 30 June - the below players either already are or will become free agents.

Aberdeen: Tom Ritchie

Celtic: Greg Taylor

Dundee: Scott Fraser, Antonio Portales, Joe Shaughnessy

Dundee United: David Babunksi, Allan Campbell, Lewis Moult, Bryan Mwangi

Falkirk: N/A

Hearts: Jorge Grant, Barrie McKay, Lawrence Shankland

Hibernian: Maksymilian Boruc, Junior Hoilett

Kilmarnock: Kyle Magennis, Kieran O'Hara, Kyle Vassell

Livingston: N/A

Motherwell: Moses Ebiye, Harry Paton, Dominic Thompson, Davor Zdravkovski

Rangers: Adam Devine, Tom Lawrence, Ianis Hagi

St. Mirren: Dennis Adeniran, Elvis Bwomono

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Goalkeeper Matty Connelly has penned a new one-year deal at Motherwell.

The 22-year-old academy graduate spent last season on loan at East Kilbride, playing 46 games and gaining promotion from the Lowland League to the SPFL's fourth tier.

Connelly, who has also had spells at Falkirk, Gretna and Stranraer, is yet play a first-team game for Motherwell.

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Jordan McGhee says he was "taken aback at the quality" at Motherwell when he joined the club.

BBC Scotland reported that the versatile 28-year-old had penned a pre-contract agreement with the Lanarkshire side in January, and officially joined on 2 June on a two-year deal.

"It's a long time coming," he said in a club video.

"I stayed at Dundee the rest of the season and gave my all there and now to be here finally, is really exciting."

McGhee has not only had to get familiar with new team-mates, but with a new manager too in Jens Berthel Askou.

So far, the training has been "intense".

"The boys and our staff are really working hard and taking on board the new ideas from the gaffer," he said.

"It's really intense, we're at a high tempo and we've worked on both sides of the game now - attacking and defending.

"Since I came in I've actually been taken aback by how good the quality was in training.

"The players, obviously having played against them, their standards are excellent.

"I'm a big believer in training the way you play and so far training has been outstanding.

"I'm just looking forward to working hard and getting on the pitch with the boys and hopefully winning many games.

"On and off the field, it's a club that's always growing.

"If I can help on the pitch that would be ideal. On a personal note, I want to improve as a football player and learn different styles and adapt my game.

"It's always exciting to change myself and just looking forward to getting started with it."

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Motherwell have signed a "hungry, talented and determined" midfielder in Elliot Watt, says manager Jens Berthel Askou.

The 25-year-old, who spent the second half of last season on loan at St Johnstone, has left Burton to sign a two-year deal at Fir Park, with the club holding the option of a further year.

The former Scotland Under-21 international, who has also had spells at Bradford and Salford, played 30 times as captain of Burton in the first half of last term before departing for Scotland in January.

Watt, who has joined up with the Well squad for their pre-season camp in the Netherlands, made nine appearances for relegated St Johnstone, with one of his two goals coming against his new club.

"In Elliot we've found a hungry, talented and determined young man who already has plenty of experience in the senior game," Fir Park boss Askou said.

"He has recently had a taste of the Scottish Premiership. He is a highly skilled passer of the ball, dictating the game in possession by always being brave and available.

"He covers ground well and possesses a strong positional discipline."

Defensive midfielder Watt added: "I've spoken with some of the players I know in the squad. They have said how impressed they have been under the new manager and that gave me real excitement for this move.

"From my short time in Scotland last year, I enjoyed the league. When this opportunity came up, I didn't think twice.

"It's a great opportunity for me to play regularly and enjoy my football. This is a club that has a great reputation and I'm looking forward to being a part of that."

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Jens Berthel Askou believes Motherwell have appointed "the perfect man" in Max Rogers as his new assistant manager.

Previous number two Ahmet Koc left the club last week following the departure of German manager Michael Wimmer in May.

Former St Mirren youth coach Rogers, who has also worked in the USA and England, came out on top among "high interest" in the role.

Rogers, 34, was most recently assistant manager at Wigan Athletic and worked with former Scotland international, Shaun Maloney.

"In my discussions with the manager, I was really impressed with his vision for the team along with the winning mentality that he wants to create at the club and in the squad," Rogers told club media.

"I believe my skills and experience align well with and complement the current coaching staff."

Askou added: "Max fits the profile we have been looking for perfectly."

"In Max, I'm convinced we've found the perfect man to help drive and accelerate the development of Motherwell.

"He is extremely passionate, detailed and hard-working, and has an innovative approach to his work.

"At a young age, he has gained a lot of valuable experience through different coaching roles and environments with very talented and modern-thinking people., and on top of that, he has a solid, positive and likeable personality that will inspire and motivate his surroundings.

"We have gathered positive and strong references on Max, and the interviews and talks have confirmed our initial feeling."

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Motherwell are yet to receive a "firm bid" for Lennon Miller, says the teenage midfielder's father.

Speculation continues to surround the future of the 18-year-old, who has just one year remaining on his Fir Park contract.

The youngster, who ended a stellar campaign by impressing for Scotland earlier this month, is due to return to Motherwell on Monday for pre-season training.

On what the future holds for Miller, his dad Lee said on BBC Sportsound: "We'll just wait and see what happens, but he just ultimately wants to play football.

"In terms of decision-wise, we'll sit down and weigh up the pros and cons about different things, but there's not been a firm bid put in place for Lennon."

With a number of Miller's international team-mates excelling in Italy, such as Billy Gilmour, Scott McTominay and Lewis Ferguson, the teenager's father hinted that his son is open to moving abroad.

"[Scottish players] are being given an opportunity, they're being given a platform to go and express themselves and they've been shown a lot of faith abroad," the former Scotland and Aberdeen striker said.

"It's only going to benefit the national team in years to come."

We asked for your views on Motherwell's Scottish Premiership fixtures and how they will be faring after 10 games.

Here's what some of you said:

Clare: Well, well, well, what can I say, I am feeling very positive about where the new manager wants us to finish, which is in the top six. Our opening day fixture against Rangers, well at least it's at home. All I can say for the season ahead is 'bring it on' because this is my fourth season being a season ticket holder and I am just so excited and pumped. Time will tell if my feelings will change.

Taylor: Twenty points after 10 games, you heard it here first. Askou-ball from the start!

D: A tough start certainly, but if we have aspirations of top six then we need to get results in some of these games. Games against the Old Firm don't define our season, but we need to get points against the rest of the sides. Will be interesting to see what style the new manager implements.

Andy: Sadly I think we are heading for relegation this year. And we will be in the bottom four after the first 10 games.

James: Tough start so need to get up and running and playing with confidence - will need to boost the squad immediately.