I think Jens Berthel Askou has done an outstanding job at Motherwell this season, but Celtic cannot afford to gamble on potential alone when choosing the club’s next manager.
Celtic beat Hearts to secure the title, and while I believe Martin O’Neill deserves enormous credit, the club must look forward to appoint a long-term manager.
Jens Berthel Askou has been in the Celtic conversation for months now, but as the title celebrations continue, I explain on BBC Sportsound why the board should be cautious to turn to the Dane.
Should Celtic hire Jens Berthel Askou as the next manager?
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Celtic’s next appointment cannot be based on one season
Speaking on BBC Sportsound, I said: “As far as Jens Berthel Askou, there’s no doubt he’s he’s a brilliant coach, a brilliant manager. The only thing that I would be wary of would be it’s his first season in Scotland. Could it be a first season, I don’t want to say wonder because that sounds disrespectful, but I think he’s still a kind of unknown manager here.
“I think it’ll be interesting if he stays at Motherwell next season to see how those guys do because they have no doubt been the best footballing team in Scottish football. It’s been brilliant watching them and they took us close during the week there.
“I think Celtic need to be careful with our next manager appointment. It just shows you, when going for Wilfred Nancy, that we need to get it right. Wilfred Nancy’s tenure almost cost us a title and we can’t go back down that road again. We need somebody who will take us forward.
“I’m hoping the board have got a name in place. I hope they’ve got an idea where they’re going. If it’s going to be Jens Berthel Askou, then obviously if the board decide that’s the way to go, the Celtic fans get behind him. But I would just urge a bit of caution on that.”
Askou has earned the praise coming his way
There is no question Askou has done an excellent job at Motherwell this season. He guided the club to European qualification while turning them into one of the most organised and entertaining sides in Scottish football.
Motherwell also produced major results against both Celtic and Rangers. Their pressing style and tactical organisation have deservedly attracted attention.
Askou’s background abroad is also impressive. His managerial work outside Scotland included promotions and title success before arriving at Fir Park.
My wider point is simple. Celtic are not appointing a development project. The club need somebody capable of delivering domestically while handling the pressure and expectations that come with managing Celtic.
That is why I think caution is fair. Askou has only completed one season in Scottish football. However impressive it has been, it is still a limited body of work at this level.
The Motherwell boss remains linked with the Celtic job, and I completely understand why supporters are intrigued by him. But Celtic’s next managerial appointment has to remove uncertainty, not create more of it.
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