Celtic 'contact' over rising star manager emerges but boss approach came 'far too late' amid alternate switch

Claims have been made over Celtic interest in Jens Berthel Askou during the summer - but the Hoops arriving late to the party is said to have proved costly to their chances.

The Dane is now boss of Ligue 1’s Toulouse and he is already starting to make an impact in one of Europe’s top five leagues, the team sitting with two defeats, from seven played. Askou revolutionised Motherwell last term, guiding them to fourth in the Premiership and inspiring millions in player sales, with a European style that had the Fir Park club in the title conversation as late as March.

Celtic decided to run it back with Martin O’Neill following an interim return that came with league and Scottish Cup glory, but amid difficulties in Europe this season, Michael Stewart wonders why they didn’t go all-out for Askou after watching him first hand.

Who could Celtic have hired as manager?

Former midfielder Stewart said on Sportsound: “Whether they went and spoke to Jens Berthel Askou or not I don't know but that would have been an obvious one for me if you're looking at a long-term solution and a long-term appointment at Celtic. Andy's obviously sitting there and he'll be able to tell you, he improved almost everybody that was under his tutelage at Motherwell last season, and he improved the sum total of the club at Motherwell.

“I’m talking about Celtic here on the European stage. Well, there was a guy that showed you with your own two eyes he improved Motherwell, to the point where domestically they were in the hunt for the championship in March and April.”

Andy Halliday was at Motherwell under Askou last term and said that his understanding was that ‘contact was made but effectively it was made far too late.’ BBC’s Tom English added: “A senior figure at Motherwell told me, kind of enigmatically. that there was contact between Celtic and Motherwell about Berthel Askou.

Would Jens Berthel Askou have been a Celtic manager option?

“I've tried tried to probe the extent of the contact when it was, what form it took, and I got a brick wall.”

Pat Bonner insisted that at the end of last season, most accepted any decision should rest with O’Neill, or someone should have taken him aside to admit things weren’t going to work going forward. The former Celtic goalkeeper added: “I'm not disagreeing with anything Michael has said , anything in relation to where we are at this moment.

“The question was about Martin O’Neill and Martin O’Neill, and I think you all agreed, that if he wanted to stay in the job, then he should be given that respect. I'm sure that question must have been asked otherwise he wouldn't be in the job. If he left the job it should have been of his own accord or somebody then has to take on the bravery to say, “no Martin this, isn't going to work.”

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