Motherwell’s impressive fourth-place finish last season feels a distant memory, with the Fir Park side struggling to replicate the performances that made them one of the most exciting teams in Scottish football. After an excellent 2025/26 campaign, expectations were high heading into the new season. However, a difficult summer transfer window, managerial change and the departure of several influential players have contributed to a disappointing start.
Perhaps the biggest blow was losing Elijah Just and Elliot Watt. Both players were central to Motherwell’s success last season, and their departures have had a significant impact on the team’s performances. Just’s move to Swansea City left Motherwell without one of their most creative attacking players. His ability to carry the ball, find space between opposition lines and create opportunities made him an important part of their attacking system. Replacing his overall contribution was always going to be difficult.
Watt’s departure to Turkish side Samsunspor was another significant loss. Having made 42 appearances during his only season at Fir Park, the midfielder had established himself as an influential figure. His energy, passing ability and composure in possession provided an important balance to Motherwell’s midfield. Losing both players in the same transfer window left a considerable gap in the squad.
The departure of manager Jens Berthel Askou further complicated matters. Having guided Motherwell to fourth place, Askou left to take charge of Toulouse, leaving the club searching for a new direction. His organised, possession-based approach had become a defining feature of the team’s identity, and maintaining that style without its creator was always going to be challenging.
Askou’s reputation has continued to grow since leaving Scottish football, with the Danish manager being linked with the Crystal Palace job over the past few days. The links underline the impression he left during his time at Fir Park, having guided Motherwell to fourth place and established an attractive style of football. His growing reputation also highlights the challenge facing his successor, who has been tasked with replacing a manager whose influence extended beyond the results on the pitch.
Alfred Johansson was appointed as his successor but has faced difficulties establishing consistency. With 11 new players arriving during the summer, integrating so many fresh faces into an established system has proved challenging.
Defensively, the situation has been particularly concerning. The departures of Stephen Welsh and goalkeeper Calum Ward, alongside injuries to senior players including captain Paul McGinn, have disrupted the defensive structure that served Motherwell so well last season.
The statistics highlight the extent of the decline. According to BBC Sport’s October analysis, Motherwell’s goals conceded per game increased from 0.95 last season to 1.80 this campaign. Despite actually recording a higher expected goals figure, their attacking output has also fallen, suggesting problems with both finishing and defensive organisation.
A six-game losing streak during October, including a 4-0 defeat against Aberdeen, further increased the pressure on Johansson. An early League Cup exit against Championship side Stenhousemuir only added to the frustration surrounding the club.
The January transfer window could prove crucial. Motherwell need to address the weaknesses that have emerged over the opening months of the season if they are to rediscover the form that made them such an impressive side last year.
