'This is the start of a journey, not the end'

Motherwell chairman Kyrk Macmillan says the club have been "continually working on contingencies" to ensure they can build on the work done by Jens Berthel Askou.

Askou, who has left Fir Park to join French side Toulouse as their head coach, spent just one season at the club, but brought with him a progressive brand of football that saw the club secure a fourth-place finish and European football.

"First of all, I want to wish Jens all the very best for the future," Macmillan said.

"When we brought Jens to Motherwell, there was an understanding that if there was success, the club wouldn't stand in the way of Jens progressing to his next club if it was the correct opportunity at the right time.

"Toulouse is a club playing in one of the top-five divisions in Europe, and it is an excellent opportunity for him. I hope this move brings him more success. Thank you, Jens."

The Dane was appointed following the shock departure of Michael Wimmer last year, with the Motherwell board once again opting to open up their managerial search to candidates across the continent.

Macmillan says the club will continue to follow this template for future appointments as they prepare for European qualifiers and likely transfer interest in many of their star players.

"This season has been a special one.

"I'm a Motherwell fan, and it has been a joy to watch the team operate at such a high level.

"It's no secret that we have got a strategy in place that we will continue to build upon our model, using the same principles, as we enter this new campaign.

"Managers leaving a club can be a hard pill to swallow, and whilst we appreciate Jens for what he has done here in the last 11 months, we have been continually working on contingencies and learnings to ensure we do not rip up and start again but continue to build and grow.

"There's lots to be excited about.

"We have over 20 contracted first-team players, European football on the horizon and crowds are 40% up at Fir Park.

"We will continue working hard behind the scenes and will update supporters in due course. This is the start of a journey, not the end."