Motherwell have appointed Alfred Johansson as their new manager, with the Swede tasked with maintaining the standards set by his predecessor Jens Berthel Askou.
The 35-year-old arrives at Fir Park having most recently served as head coach of Norwegian top-flight side Rosenborg between 2024 and 2026.
Johansson left Rosenborg last month after just seven games of the new campaign, having previously guided them to fourth place in his first season before finishing seventh in his second.
He replaces Askou, who departed Motherwell for Toulouse after steering the Steelmen to a fourth-placed finish in the Scottish Premiership last season.
Motherwell picked up 61 points during Askou’s sole league campaign in Scotland, with the club winning 16 of their 38 matches throughout that impressive run.
The Fir Park hierarchy believe Johansson is the right man to replicate that form and style of football heading into the 2026/27 season.
Chairman Kyrk Macmillan confirmed the club followed the same recruitment approach used to identify Askou and previous boss Michael Wimmer, saying “the data plays a key role to ensure the game model aligns with how we want to play and continues our evolution, but the process is also blended with ensuring we bring good people to the club.”
Macmillan added: “There is a strong belief that Alfred has the correct characteristics to lead and deliver on his ideas. He is a determined and ambitious young manager who wants to continue the success we had last season.”
Johansson, who did not play professional football, began his career in youth coaching in Sweden before serving as academy manager at Djurgardens and later working with FC Copenhagen’s youth setup, progressing to Under-19 level.
Rosenborg appointed him as head coach in December 2023, and he went on to win 71 of his 131 matches during his time in charge at the Norwegian club.
Johansson brings European experience to the role, having led Rosenborg to the final round of the Conference League qualifiers during his tenure.
That background will prove immediately relevant at Motherwell, as his first match in charge will come in European competition when the club face Faroese side Havnar Boltfelag next month.
Johansson has indicated his approach will focus on consolidation rather than revolution, with Askou’s backroom staff set to remain at the club under the new manager.
Motherwell have not disclosed the length of Johansson’s contract but confirmed that all current football staff will continue in their roles at Fir Park.
