In Ted Lasso style, Motherwell appointed a manager that no one in Scotland had ever heard of. ‘It’ll never work’. That’s what they all said, fast forward 8 months, and his team is thriving – they’re playing the best in the country.
Football is a funny sport; people are always quick to make assumptions. This time, they were wrong. Before Jens Berthel Askou was brought in, Motherwell had struggled with managers. Askous’ successor, Micheal Wimmer, left just months after joining the club due to family reasons.
The fans had full faith that the board would take the club in a new direction. But this left-field appointment stunned everyone. His employment confused pundits and fans across the country.
His style of play quickly caught the eye of football fans. Bringing a type of play that Fir Park had never seen before. “Total Football’s’” slow integration into Scottish football left fans anxious about its chances of success. Skip to the middle of February, and Motherwell are in 4th place, chasing league leaders Hearts and have the backing of every single supporter – something that the club hasn’t seen in a very long time.
It’s incredible that over the past 40 or so years, even further in some cases, they have never seen anything like this.
The passion is back, the love is back, the dedication to support the team has grown more than ever, and every single fan is all for it. When it comes to games, I don’t think I’ve quite heard as much joy in the stands. Fans are starstruck as they watch their team perform at such an unbelievably high standard.
Now it would be easy to talk about its impact on the pitch, the improvement in results, and the clean sheets. However, no one really notices just how much it affects the supporters. Football, for many, is an escape, a passion, a source of happiness. For this joy to be brought to Fir Park, to be blunt, can change lives.
“The celebrations when that late equaliser went in is a moment I’ll remember forever.”
Gordon Bonnes, a Motherwell vlogger, spoke about the impact it has on him:
“Football is a huge part of my life, and during difficult times, it’s always been there to help me escape and take my mind off any struggles. Results have been very good on the whole this season, so it definitely helps my normal life when Motherwell perform well above expectations.”
From my point of view, as a supporter, I haven’t quite seen anything like this. I go to games, and the reaction from fans in the stadium and on social media really proves the impact that a strong style of play can have on people’s lives.
Its influence on me has brought me closer to friends and family. Going to games that I would maybe normally pass on, just having a chat and watching the football, can drastically improve my day and the days of many others. One good result can even make people’s week.
Callum, a supporter I regularly attend matches with expressed his joy at the season so far: “The recent result against Rangers proved to me just how much I love this football club. On a cold and wet Wednesday night, I took a trip to Fir Park that I normally wouldn’t have. I’m now so glad that I did, the celebrations when that late equaliser went in is a moment I’ll remember forever.”
“The connections I’ve made with friends and family along the way have really added to a special season”
Callum embodies exactly what football is all about: creating memories and growing friendships along the way. As a young man, he can get out on the weekends or late in the week and loves watching something that he enjoys.
Past generations, who have watched far more Motherwell teams’ than my generation are telling you that this is the best Motherwell team they have ever seen. It’s incredible that over the past 40 or so years, even further in some cases, they have never seen anything like this.
My Dad is 49 and regularly attended games as a kid. But as he got older, he had less time, taking less interest in football. Now, after the improvement on the pitch, he goes as often as possible. Seeing the joy that has been brought back into him and so many other generations is great.
The football being played at Fir Park has managed to unite age groups and pull thousands together to back their team. It has brought the love and passion back to Motherwell. So, here’s to you, Jens Berthel Askou.
