Motherwell's blueprint for success is proving strong enough to defy second-season syndrome. The Fir Park side have started the new Premiership campaign strongly, earning eight points from their first four league fixtures, which is double their tally at the same stage last season. This positive momentum continues as they sit 5th in the Premiership, with eight points from five games.
How has the squad changed?
The summer saw significant upheaval at Motherwell. Following a European qualification campaign and the departure of their transformational manager, the club welcomed 11 new players. Key figures from the previous campaign also moved on. Record sale Lennon Miller had already left for Udinese, and this summer saw top scorer Elijah Just depart in a new club-record deal. Elliot Watt joined Samsunspor, Calum Ward moved to QPR, and Stephen Welsh signed for Swansea, while Callum Slattery's contract expired. In total, transfer income across the past year exceeded £10 million.
What is Alfred Johansson's approach?
New manager Alfred Johansson, the 35-year-old previously in charge of Rosenborg for two and a half years, has implemented his own style. While rotations remain integral, the team now plays with more width and intensity. A fluid 4-4-2 formation sees more frequent crosses from wide areas, and the influence of players like Emmanuel Longelo has grown. Average possession is just below 60%, with the team scoring, shooting, and passing more than before. Vice-captain Stephen O'Donnell highlighted the stylistic fit, saying, "If the new manager was a 'heid it and kick it' manager, we'd all be in a right pickle."
Where do Motherwell stand now?
Despite a shock League Cup defeat at Stenhousemuir and a chaotic 3-3 draw with St Mirren where they conceded three goals in ten minutes, the league form is promising. The team has scored eight goals and conceded only five, giving them a +3 goal difference. They are seven points behind leaders Celtic but have shown they can compete at tough venues, having won on three of their past four visits to Ibrox. The mood around the club is positive, a sign of the squad adapting to Johansson's methods.
What challenges lie ahead?
The immediate focus is navigating a lengthy injuries list, which currently includes Callum Hendry, Johnny Koutroumbis, Jordan McGhee, Paul McGinn, and Oscar Priestman. Maintaining their defensive solidity, which produced the second-best top-flight record in the club's history last term, will be key. Their next fixture is a major test, an away match against second-placed Heart of Midlothian on December 12th. You can view the full upcoming schedule on the club's fixtures page.
