Sorry bit of a long one but with data analytics in mind thought for a bit of interest/ fun Iād try out some prompts to find replacement manager based on JBA style I.e
⢠Asymmetric 4ā2ā2ā2 with short, incisive passing and constant rotations.
⢠Aggressive counterāpressing, deliberately not contesting first balls but winning second balls.
⢠High regain numbers ā among the best in Europe for possession recovery.
⢠Riskātolerant, blameāfree coaching culture that encourages bravery on the ball.
⢠Clear gameāmodel documentation (his ā300āslide football bibleā).
These are much closer to
⢠Norwayās Bodo/Glimt school
⢠Denmarkās modern Superliga coaches
⢠Swedenās positional-play managers
⢠Germanyās 2. Bundesliga pressing coaches
so potential names which popped up are
š³š“ 1. Gaute Helstrup (TromsĆø ā currently free / often linked with progressive clubs)
Why he fits:
⢠Uses a fluid, rotation-heavy 4ā3ā3 / 3ā4ā3 hybrid similar to Askouās asymmetry.
⢠TromsĆø were one of Europeās best smallābudget pressing teams.
⢠Strong Bodo/Glimt influence ā exactly the model Askou referenced. sportzeen.com
⢠Excellent at developing undervalued players.
Why heās realistic:
⢠Affordable for a Scottish Premiership club.
⢠Comfortable working with limited budgets and selling clubs.
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š©š° 2. Thomas NĆørgaard (Lyngby assistant / former Fremad Amager)
Why he fits:
⢠Danish coaches share the same tactical lineage as Askou.
⢠NĆørgaardās Fremad Amager sides played aggressive, vertical, counterāpressing football.
⢠Known for detailed gameāmodel work ā similar to Askouās āfootball bibleā.
Why heās realistic:
⢠Danish assistants often step into head roles abroad.
⢠Salary expectations align with Motherwellās structure.
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šøšŖ 3. Andreas BrƤnnstrƶm (formerly AIK / MjƤllby)
Why he fits:
⢠One of Swedenās most tactically flexible coaches.
⢠Uses asymmetric buildup, overloads, and structured pressing.
⢠Excellent at improving players technically.
Why heās realistic:
⢠Available.
⢠Has previously expressed interest in UK opportunities.
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š©šŖ 4. Daniel Scherning (exāArminia Bielefeld, 2. Bundesliga)
Why he fits:
⢠Highāpressing, transitionādominant football.
⢠Strong emphasis on automatisms and structured rotations.
⢠Good with young squads ā important for Motherwell.
Why heās realistic:
⢠German secondātier coaches often move abroad for stability.
⢠Would see Scotland as a stepping stone.
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š³š± 5. Rogier Meijer (NEC Nijmegen ā if available)
Why he fits:
⢠Dutch positional play with aggressive pressing triggers.
⢠Very similar to Askouās shortāpassing, rotationābased buildup.
⢠Strong youth development record.
Why heās realistic:
⢠Dutch coaches are increasingly open to UK moves.
⢠NECās budget is modest; not an impossible target.