Jens Berthel Askou is the talk of the town in Scottish football.
The Motherwell boss has stunned everyone with his form, earning widespread calls for Celtic to swoop for him in the summer.
This talk is a tad disrespectful to Motherwell, who have been on title-winning form for a number of months now. Askou and a number of their players won’t be short of suitors.
But what if he stays? Michael Stewart’s point raises that he could benefit the Hoops by remaining in post at Fir Park.
Do you see Motherwell as a genuine threat to Celtic?
Michael Stewart on Jens Berthel Askou helping Celtic by staying
“I would love to see Jens Berthel Askou at Motherwell next season.
“I honestly think that that side, if it was to stick together and follow on from what [Steven Pressley] was talking about…
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“See with a bit of continuity, and a second season? I know there’s the obvious thought that ‘oh, they’ll taper off,’ but I would just love to see them competing in Europe for Scotland’s coefficient.
“I honestly think they would be brilliant. I think they would be great.
“If you just add another couple of players to that squad, because you’d better believe… if he was still there, and there was players that were in and around possibilities… you would be attracted to go.
“I would love to see him stay at Motherwell next season.”
Scotland’s coefficient has significantly declined in recent years, resulting in the league losing its second qualifying spot for the Champions League starting from 2027-28.
The league winner will have to play three qualifiers to reach the league phase, and one of the fifth spot for the Conference League will disappear altogether.
If Motherwell can have an impact in Europe as they have domestically, Askou can be an asset for Celtic even by staying in post.
I want the next manager of Celtic to be…
Candidates for the Celtic job along with Jens Berthel Askou
Of course, there are several Celtic candidates for the summer, including Roberto Martinez.
However, Martinez’s participation in the upcoming World Cup complicates his availability for what will be a crucial pre-season period.
Current Wales manager Craig Bellamy is another possibility, though his status depends on next month’s play-off results.
Additionally, Robbie Keane remains a persistent link, bolstered by his connection to Dermot Desmond.
Martin O’Neill crucially cannot be dismissed as a contender unless his departure at the season’s end is officially confirmed.
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