Jens Berthel Askou has addressed the growing clamour for him to be Celtic’s next manager.
The Motherwell boss is hot property. A huge job is ahead for whoever leads the Hoops into next season, be it Martin O’Neill, Askou or someone else.
Of course, the Dane has his own priorities, with a historic season potentially in the offing for Motherwell. On form, a late push to unsettle the current top three in the Scottish Premiership is a possibility.
But the rumours aren’t going away.
Would you take Jens Berthel Askou in the event that Martin O’Neill leaves Celtic in the summer?
Jens Berthel Askou on Celtic talk
Asked if the speculation is disrespectful to Motherwell, “I don’t know if it’s disrespectful, but I don’t think it’s anything you can avoid.
“It’s not something I need to comment on or anything, it’s something that we cannot stop.
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“There is a little bit of noise and speculation about stuff, but the good thing is that I’m here, I’m really pleased with that.
“Celtic, they have a job to do as well, and that’s why I don’t feel any need to comment on these things.
“Everyone needs their peace and quiet to finish the season strongly. It’s an environment that we’ve pushed from day one.
“We don’t want to get too obsessed or excited or affected by what happens around us. We focus on what we can control.”
Askou isn’t alone in turning heads at Motherwell. Eli Just, Tawanda Maswanhise and Elliott Watt are just three who have had stellar seasons, opening the door to big moves in the summer.
Of course, Askou spent most of January in dialogue with Celtic as he pushed for the loan return of Stephen Welsh.
The Dane is now the bookmakers’ favourite for the job, and many in the media are joining in the clamour for him to succeed O’Neill.
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The career of Celtic candidate Jens Berthel Askou
Having spent the majority of his playing days in Denmark, Askou also enjoyed a two-year stint in English football with Norwich City and Millwall. It was during his time at Carrow Road that he formed a lasting friendship with former teammate Russell Martin.
His managerial journey launched at Vendsyssel in his homeland, followed by a highly successful period in the Faroe Islands, where he secured a domestic double with Havnar Boltfelag.
After two years at Horsens, he was appointed head coach of Swedish giants Goteborg. However, he vacated that post in 2024 to take up an assistant role at Sparta Prague—a tenure that proved short-lived, ending in his dismissal just six months later.
Despite that setback, he quickly rebounded as an assistant at FC Copenhagen, contributing to their Danish Superliga title success. Upon the expiry of his short-term deal there, he moved to Motherwell.
His tactical approach at Fir Park immediately garnered attention, and his remarkable impact in Lanarkshire has established him as the most discussed manager in the Scottish game.
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