Motherwell Football Club has made a strong start to the new season, securing a place in European competition and delivering what fans call the best football they’ve seen in recent years. This success comes despite the departure of their transformative manager, Jens Berthel Askou, who left after just one season. The club has undergone significant changes, including the appointment of 35-year-old Alfred Johansson as manager and the signing of 11 new players. Despite these changes, Motherwell continues to defy the common Scottish football belief that teams often struggle in their second season after a strong first one, with supporters dreaming of a campaign that could be even better than the 2025-26 season. Jens Berthel Askou, now head coach of Toulouse in Ligue 1, had a significant impact on Motherwell, shaping the club's identity and performance in a short time. Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin has acknowledged the influence of Askou's work in the Scottish Premiership, saying it has acted as a wake-up call for other managers. Motherwell, however, has maintained a consistent identity despite changes in management and players, leading to increased attendances and continued on-field success. Speaking at an event for the Well Society, Motherwell's fan-ownership group, vice-captain Stephen O'Donnell highlighted the club's continuity as a benefit to the squad, suggesting that a different managerial approach could have significantly changed the team's dynamics. Of Askou's first-choice XI from last season, only four players have started in the Premiership this season due to departures or injuries. Goalkeeper Calum Ward, who moved to Queens Park Rangers, and centre-backs Stephen Welsh and Paul McGinn, who are now at Swansea and recovering from injury, respectively, were crucial to Motherwell's defensive success last season. Welsh's departure marked a new record for Motherwell's transfer sales. Motherwell has experienced a significant influx of transfer income, exceeding £10 million in the past year, allowing them to recruit from a better market this summer. Midfielder Joe Hodge, seen as a replacement for Elliot Watt, was playing in Portugal's top flight last season, while centre-back Martin Moormann was in the Austrian Bundesliga. Reported six-figure signing Jardell Kanga is expected to fill the void left by Elijah Just, who became Motherwell's top transfer sale in July. The appointment of Alfred Johansson as manager was notable given his previous experience managing Rosenborg, a 26-time Norwegian title winner. Early signs suggest that Johansson is capable of elevating fringe players and unlocking the potential of Rangers academy graduate Alex Lowry, who will return to Ibrox on Saturday. Despite these changes, Motherwell have not won major silverware since 1991 and face challenges, including a recent League Cup defeat at second-tier Stenhousemuir and a 3-3 draw against St Mirren. However, their current tally of eight points from four league fixtures is double what it was at this stage last season. Johansson has not significantly changed the team's playing style, maintaining a fluid 4-4-2 formation with rotations remaining a key part of their approach. However, fans have noted increased width and intensity on the ball, with more frequent crosses from wide areas as left-back Emmanuel Longelo's influence grows. Data indicates that Johansson's side are scoring, shooting, and passing more, but Askou's defensive numbers will be hard to match. Motherwell's next match is against Rangers at Ibrox Stadium on Saturday, a once-dreaded trip that is now relished by the club's supporters.