Dermot Desmond puzzle detailed as Celtic and Roberto Martinez talk continues
Chris Sutton has told Celtic to make a move for Jens Berthel Askou over Roberto Martinez when going in for a manager in the summer.
With Martin O’Neill set to depart the Hoops in the summer, there is a lot of emphasis on getting the next appointment right, especially after the disaster of Wilfried Nancy.
Two of the most linked managers to date as Askou, who has done a wonderful job at Motherwell this season, and Martinez, who is set to lead Portugal out for the 2026 World Cup in the summer.
However, Sutton believes that the Steelmen’s manager will be a far better fit, with the former Hoops star admitting that it’s hard to know what Dermot Desmond’s plan is.
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Chris Sutton: Jens Berthel Askou has done a remarkable job
So far this season, Motherwell have been one of the best teams in the Scottish Premiership under Askou.
The Steelmen are currently fourth in the Scottish Premiership and have taken points off both Celtic and Rangers this campaign, beating the former in late 2025.
Now, Motherwell are the favourites to finish fourth and qualify for the Europa Conference League second qualifying round, a remarkable feat given their budget.
The Jens Berthel Askou effect 🇩🇰
— SPFL (@spfl) February 12, 2026
Now just 5⃣ shy of their 24/25 tally, how many points will @MotherwellFC finish on? pic.twitter.com/ECimzFoy1y
As a result, Sutton told the Daily Record on 13 February that Askou should be the man in the dugout at Celtic Park next season as the Hoops continue the process of hunting for Nancy’s permanent replacement.
He said: “I’m now convinced Jens Berthel Askou would be a great fit for Celtic. You want his Motherwell team, and you can’t help but be impressed. They are arguably the best side to watch in the country.
“He’s managed to build a team that is solid defensively, superbly maintains possession and creates chances – and all on a fraction of the money spent at other clubs.
“It’s been a remarkable job. I’ve never seen a Scottish team do what Motherwell has done this season – and that’s dominate against Celtic and Rangers. Usually tams set up to try to stop the Glasgow clubs playing. Instead, it’s been the other way around this year.
🗣️ “It was a big night last night, I think there are a few more to come.”
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) February 12, 2026
Shaun Maloney on that late winner against Livingston, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s impact, the title race, Roberto Martinez being linked to the Celtic job and facing Kilmarnock on Sunday – live on Sky 📺 pic.twitter.com/Q6B11R4kEA
“I’ve also been impressed with the way he communicates in the media. He just ticks so many boxes for me.
“It’s hard to know what Dermot Desmond will be thinking, as he’s shown in the past he’s capable of making bold, big-name appointments, like Brendan Rodgers and O’Neill first time around.
“There’s been a lot of talk around Martinez, and that’s been there for a number of years now. But I just think there is a guy on Celtic’s doorstep who is showing a lot of positive attributes to be a success at the club.
“It would be fascinating to see how he would do with more resources.”
Who are the current favourites for the Celtic job?
As it stands, Martinez is the favourite for the Celtic job at 7/4.
The former Everton and Wigan boss is set to leave the Portugal National Team position after the 2026 World Cup, and has been linked to Celtic Park for some time.
Askou then follows at 9/2, while O’Neill remains in the race at 6/1.
Potential outsiders include Shaun Maloney and Steve Clarke, who are both 10/1.
While Maloney is already part of the coaching staff at Celtic, Clarke would no doubt be a surprise appointment, especially given his good work with the Scotland National Team over the past year.
Nevertheless, it remains to be seen who Desmond opts to bring in during the summer, with a good appointment desperately needed.