Celtic Exclusive: Jens Berthel Askou ‘ticks a lot of boxes’ in manager hunt
Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou has emerged on the radar of the Celtic board as their search for a new boss continues, sources have told Football Insider.
The Dane, 43, currently has Motherwell flying high in the Premiership after taking the reins, and that has gained him admirers at Celtic Park for his aggressive and attacking style of football.
Celtic were keen to secure an up-and-coming coach in the aftermath of Brendan Rodgers’ departure in October, and sources now say that Berthel Askou “ticks a lot of boxes” for the Celtic hierarchy, if they decide to go down that route once again.
The Bhoys will consider both traditional managers and young coaches for their next appointment, as they desperately try to avoid a repeat of their error with Wilfried Nancy.
Jens Berthel Askou among the favourites for Celtic job
Berthel Askou has emerged among the favourites for the Celtic job when an appointment is made in the summer, as the board continue to assess their options.
The likes of Martin O’Neill, Roberto Martinez and Ange Postecoglou all appear to be in the frame, while the Motherwell chief is something of a left-field option.
He currently has the Well on course for their first top-half finish in the Premiership in four years, and has overseen an impressive turnaround in their fortunes during his first few months in charge.
Berthel Askou previously cut his teeth in charge of the likes of Danish side Horsens and Swedish giants Gothenburg, before enjoying stints as an assistant manager at both Sparta Prague and Copenhagen in recent years.
He has only just taken his first foray into UK football, but his early exploits could be about to land him one of the biggest jobs around.
Celtic are being linked with several candidates who have a far bigger managerial reputation than the 43-year-old, but he could yet find himself in serious contention to land the job.
Ange Postecoglou on Celtic’s list of targets
Football Insider revealed on Tuesday that Postecoglou is on Celtic’s list of targets when it comes to making their next permanent appointment in the summer.
The Australian is out of work after being dismissed by Nottingham Forest in October, and as a result, he is being viewed as a relatively cost-effective option for the job.
He is still a hugely popular figure at Parkhead after leading the Bhoys to Premiership glory in each of his two previous seasons in charge, and he is firmly part of the board’s reckoning in their hunt for their next man.
Postecoglou has been keen to stay away from football with a view to taking on a new assignment at the start of pre-season, and that could potentially see the stars align for a sensational return to his former club.