Chris Wood and Elijah Just performed some double act on Monday, linking up not once but twice to drive New Zealand to a point in their World Cup opener against Japan.
'Sensational' Wood and Just combine for New Zealand goals
Image source, ReutersChris Wood (right) set up both goals for Elijah Just (centre)
Elijah Just was left "a little disappointed" despite scoring twice as New Zealand started their World Cup with a 2-2 draw with Iran that had BBC pundit Chris Sutton suggesting had "added a couple of zeros" on to the Motherwell midfielder's transfer value.
The 26-year-old became the first Well player to score at a World Cup - and his country's top scorer ever at a finals - with two sublime finishes at Los Angeles Stadium.
"It is a memory that'll last me for the rest of my life," Just said while paying tribute to captain Chris Wood, the 34-year-old Nottingham Forest striker, for setting up both goals.
"Obviously incredible. It's not something I could have even dreamt of, so I'm just so happy. One was nice, so two was amazing."
Just, who was bought by Well from Danish club Horsens on a two-year contract last summer, has now scored 11 goals in 45 appearances for the All Whites but had mixed emotions considering they only took a point from a game they dominated and led twice.
"It is really, really special," he said. "We have a lot of goals coming into this tournament and the first was to get on the board, so one point is okay.
"There are a lot of positives we can keep building on.
"We were unfortunate to miss out on the last World Cup, so being here today was such an amazing feeling and, to start with a point, I think everybody is happy, but coming into the tournament our goal was to get out the group, so we're almost a little disappointed because it could have been three points."
Asked if New Zealand had surprised many with their opening performance at their first World Cup in 16 years, Just replied: "If people were surprised, maybe they haven't been following us, because we have such a talented group and we work really hard."
All four sides have a point in Group G after Belgium and Egypt drew 1-1 earlier.
"We know we have tough opponents," Just added. "We all watched the Egypt-Belgium game and we know how strong they are, so we've got a lot of work to do.
"A point in the World Cup is always tough to get, so a huge amount of confidence. It was almost a perfect game except for the result.
"I think we showed today we are a dangerous team, a team that's good with or without the ball."
Motherwell are down to the final three candidates for their new manager and Gonçalo Feio, who took over at Tondela in March before their relegation from the Portuguese top flight, is among them but also has options in Portugal, Poland and Scandinavia. (Ben Jacobs on X), external
Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Image source, SNSFormer Scotland full-back Stephen O'Donnell has swapped defensive duties for partying with the Tartan Army in Boston and is hoping for the night of his life at the World Cup opener against Haiti.
"I'm would love to be sitting in the stand witnessing a memorable night that I can look back on in 20 years' time and say I was there with my son because you want to create moments that don't get forgotten," the 34-year-old Motherwell defender told BBC Scotland.
"That's what this squad has managed to do time and again and I would love it to be another night like that.
"I think there will be a few people not turning up to work if we get the three points. Hopefully we can all be celebrating into the night."
O'Donnell, who played in all three Scotland games at Euro 2020, knows the importance of Steve Clarke's side making a winning start before facing Morocco and Brazil.
"It's going to be tough against Haiti," he said. "You don't qualify for the World Cup without being a decent side and, like us, they're going to be looking at the game as their best opportunity to get something.
"It's going to lead to an interesting game. I hope it's one we can dominate and create chances. With the likes of Scott McTominay, Che Adams, Lawrence Shankland if he plays, you've definitely got goals.
"We hope to get momentum for the second and third games to then go and achieve something incredible, but to get three points would be a hell of a good start."
Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland
Image source, SNSJens Berthel Askou departed Motherwell last month after a stellar season in charge
Motherwell are closing in on a new manager to replace Jens Berthel Askou, with the club saying their search is at an "advanced stage".
The Dane left to join Ligue 1 side Toulouse three weeks ago after leading the Fir Park side to a fourth-placed finish.
The Lanarkshire club say they have still been working on a "comprehensive pre-season schedule" despite having no manager in place.
Motherwell will travel to Denmark at the end of this month for a seven-day training camp and will take on Danish champions AGF Aarhus in a friendly match on 5 July.
Further pre-season fixtures have been arranged as the team prepare for European football, starting in the second round of Conference League qualifying.
The draw takes place on 17 June, with the first leg on 23 July and the second leg the following week.
Image source, SNSStephen Welsh spent most of last season with Motherwell
Stephen Welsh says Swansea City "really wanted me" after he agreed to join the Championship club from Celtic following a second loan spell at Motherwell.
The 26-year-old defender will arrive in Wales on a two-year deal with the option of a further 12 months on 1 July after agreeing to terminate his contract at Celtic Park.
Welsh made 31 appearances in total last term, with two of those for Celtic in between his loan spells at Well. He netted once and overall has six goals in more than 100 senior club appearances and has been capped up to under-21 level by Scotland.
"I am delighted to be joining Swansea, it's a big club with a proud history," Welsh said.
"They made it clear that they really wanted me and with the way the head coach (Vítor Matos) spoke about the club, the environment he wants to create and the way he wants to play, it was a no-brainer."
Image source, SNSThe World Cup kicks off in a week's time and all 48 squads are locked in.
Seven Scottish top-flight clubs have players at the big show in the Americas.
Of the 1,248 players at the tournament, 21 (1.68%) plied their trade in the Premiership in season 2025-26.
Celtic have the biggest representation with eight players, while Rangers are next on seven (including Derek Cornelius, who spent the season on loan from Marseille).
Here is the full list:
Celtic – Alistair Johnston (Canada), Daizen Maeda (Japan), Benjamin Nygren (Sweden), Yang Hyun-jun (South Korea), Kieran Tierney, Anthony Ralston (both Scotland), Sebastian Tounekti (Tunisia), Auston Trusty (USA).
Rangers – Nicolas Raskin (Belgium), Thelo Aasgaard (Norway), Findlay Curtis, Lawrence Shankland, John Souttar, Liam Kelly (all Scotland), Derek Cornelius (Canada).
Hearts – Cammy Devlin (Australia), Craig Gordon (Scotland).
Hibs – Grant Hanley (Scotland).
Motherwell – Elijah Just (New Zealand).
Kilmarnock – Aaron Tshibola (DR Congo).
Livingston – Tete Yengi (Australia).
Image source, GettyMotherwell midfielder Elijah Just earned his 43rd cap as New Zealand lost 4-0 to Scotland's group opponents Haiti in their first World Cup warm-up friendly.
Just played 65 minutes of the match at Inter Miami's CF Stadium in Florida.
The 26-year-old is set to make his World Cup debut this summer for the All Whites, who are the lowest-ranked team at the finals.
New Zealand take on England in a friendly on Saturday before their World Cup opener against Iran on 16 June. They also face Egypt and Belgium in Group G.
Motherwell's New Zealand midfielder Elijah Just, 26, will evaluate his future after the World Cup. (Record - subscription required), external
Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland
Image source, SNSJens Berthel Askou captured the hearts of Motherwell supporters during a whirlwind 11-month tenure.
The Dane has departed for Toulouse after implementing a slick and eye-catching possession-based style that swept the Steelmen to a fourth-place Scottish Premiership finish and European football for the first time in four years.
Motherwell finished the season on 61 points - their fourth-highest tally since three points for a win was introduced in 1994.
To get there, they scored 59 goals (the fourth most in the division) and conceded 36 - the second fewest in the Premiership and also the least Motherwell have shipped in a top-flight season since 1932.
Their 18 clean sheets was the most of any side in the league while their nine defeats were the fewest by a Motherwell team in a top-flight season since 1959.
And goalkeeper Calum Ward set a new club record of 20 clean sheets across all competitions.
Askou's side scored seven league goals from fast breaks, the joint most in the division, and had the third-highest possession with 57.97%. Their expected goals (xG) was the fourth highest (56.09) while their expected goals against was the fifth lowest (47.17).
Askou leaves with a win ratio of 46.8% and a points per game of 1.61 with an average goals scored per game of 1.51.
David Currie
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Image source, SNSMotherwell goalkeeper Aston Oxborough says winning the Scottish Cup with Dunfermline this weekend would be "the stuff dreams are made of".
It would also be the perfect pick me up after the disappointment of missing out on playing in the Premiership play-off semi-final.
The 27-year-old saved a penalty in the closing minutes of the quarter-final against Arbroath but was recalled by Motherwell as emergency cover on the eve of the second leg of the play-off semi-final against Partick Thistle.
The Jags won the second leg 2-1 to claim a place in the final against St Mirren.
"It wasn't ideal to say the least," the Englishman said.
"It's difficult to watch when you're not playing, regardless of the circumstances. Sometimes it can be harder to watch than playing in it. It was disappointing how it panned out but I can't control it, so I just had to get on with it really."
Oxborough joined the Championship side in late February, helping them to a fourth-place finish and played a vital role in the play-off quarter final win over Arbroath, saving a late penalty at Gayfield in the second leg as Neil Lennon's team came away with a 1-0 aggregate win.
He also saved a spot-kick in the Scottish Cup semi-final as Dunfermline beat Falkirk 4-2 on penalties after a 0-0 draw.
"Obviously there's a bit of evidence to say I can save a few penalties now, which is nice," Oxborough added.
"It's always difficult to save them, but my goalie coach is good."
If Dunfermline overcome Celtic on Saturday they'll join Oxborough's employers Motherwell in European competition.
"I'm really pleased for Motherwell," he said.
"They've had a brilliant season, everyone knows that. If we can get there as well, it will be unbelievable for us."
Image source, SNSMidfielder Andy Halliday expects Motherwell to already have "three or four names in the frame" to replace manager Jens Berthel Askou following his move to Ligue 1 Toulouse.
Halliday, who called time on his playing career following the conclusion of the current campaign, is sad to see the 43-year-old leave Fir Park after a stunning season.
"It's the same case as if you were a player and if you have the type of season he had," he told BBC Scotland.
"He completely transformed Motherwell on the pitch, did it in a style that's raised a lot of eyebrows and got a lot of people watching Motherwell this season.
"Really disappointed for Motherwell, from a selfish point of view disappointed we're losing somebody like that from Scottish football. I'm hoping Motherwell will go with a similar approach and hopefully we'll find the second version."
And Halliday suggested it may not be long before a replacement is in place.
"I think there's going to be a contingency plan in place," he added.
"It wouldn't surprise me whatsoever if they've got three or four names in the frame, it also wouldn't surprise me if they involved Askou in those chats."
Motherwell fans, we asked for your views after manager Jens Berthel Askou's move to French Ligue 1 side Toulouse was confirmed.
Here's what some of you said.
David: Post Jens, I actually fear the worst. He was a revelation unlike anything I'd ever witnessed at Fir Park. Is there a Jens II out there? I very much doubt it and can only see the return of mediocrity next season. I do hope I'm proved wrong, but my teeth are too long to think otherwise.
Robert: You will have to allow Well fans a period of mourning before we can even think about a replacement for JBA who brought some of THE most enjoyable and clever football that a club our size can only have dreamt of. Good luck JBA, you leave us all the better for knowing you.
James: Gutted, but not totally surprised. Jens and some of our top performers were always going to be scouted by other clubs. I just hope if our players leave then we get the proper money they are worth. Also, hope that they don't go to Scottish clubs and either haunt us or get their careers ruined.
Ian: I would have loved to see him stay but I think it was inevitable for his development that a big club would come in for him. On the plus side, he is not going to Celtic and also he will not have to suffer from the total shambles that is VAR in Scotland, which he was rightly critical of. All the best and thanks for the memories.
Hector: The way ahead for Motherwell is to continue with Askou's management plan and tactics by appointing a senior player, such as Stephen O'Donnell, to apply the methodology established by Askou.
David: We've had managers who brought silverware, we've had managers who took us further up the league but no manager has brought the beautiful brand of football and the joy in the terraces like the big man has. Thanks Jens. A heartfelt best of luck from us all.
Image source, SNSMotherwell chairman Kyrk Macmillan
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."
Jens Berthel Askou has officially left Motherwell to become the head coach of Toulouse, so what now for Motherwell?
After the successive appointments of Michael Wimmer and Askou, are you confident the club will identify another successful Fir Park manager?
What type of person is needed at the club now after Askou's departure?
Image source, SNS"A glimpse of what this club is capable of when executing ambitions strategically and boldly."
Jens Berthel Askou has left Motherwell to become head coach of Toulouse.
The Fir Park club agreed a compensation package with Toulouse for the departure of Askou, who says "grateful is the best word to describe" his Motherwell tenure.
After just one season at the club, the Dane has left an indelible mark, ushering in scintillating, brave attacking football that won praise from many.
Read his full parting message to the Motherwell fans below:
"Grateful is the best word to describe how I feel about my time as a manager of Motherwell FC.
"This past year has been an amazing journey.
"The buy-in and support from players, staff, board members, volunteers and supporters have been invaluable for me to lead the development of the club.
"There have been so many special moments along the way, but the way the season ended with a hard-fought win at Easter Road, leaving the club in a position of chasing European football next season, couldn't have been written better.
"Special opportunities come rare in football. And you don't know when they present themselves.
"So sometimes you have to leave great things behind to create new ones no matter how hard it is.
"This year has not just been a year of joy, excitement, togetherness and success. It has also been a glimpse into the future. A glimpse of what this club is capable of when executing ambitions strategically and boldly.
"Now I will follow this future from outside. Excited and optimistic on behalf of everyone at Motherwell Football Club. Knowing that I played a small part. And with memories of something truly special.
"A huge THANK YOU to everyone who I've met along the way.
"Mon the Well."
Motherwell fans, we asked for your views on French Ligue 1 side Toulouse's approach for manager Jens Berthel Askou.
Here's what some of you had to say:
Stu: It would have been good to get a couple of seasons from Jens to see what he could do but if bigger jobs come along you can't blame him for advancing his career. Ultimately we attract players and managers of this calibre by giving them a platform to perform, with the knowledge if they are successful this will happen. If this move happens I wish him all the best and a huge thanks for the football he brought to Motherwell this season.
John: I would like him to stay for European football next season. I will be gutted if he does go, I'll just be glad he's not going to Celtic.
Andrew: I'd love to see him have a go at Europe with his brand of football but it is obvious that clubs with bigger budgets will be interested. One more year Jens, please? Make a success of it and you can pick your job anywhere in Europe. Roberto Martinez for a heroic return to Fir Park anyone?
David: I think Jens should stay one more season to see how far he can take this side domestically and in Europe. Moving to a bigger club is always a risk as their expectations are invariably higher, so staying one more season at Motherwell could be the best thing he does.
Stuart: I am hoping that the thought of leaving Motherwell for the Mediterranean and the French top division isn't of interest, but I feel it is a forlorn hope. JBA has been a breath of fresh air in Scottish football and if he does go, I hope we maintain the style of football for years to come as he's proven it can be successful in Scotland. Whatever he decides, thank you for the memories.
Susan: When we saw him at the last home match he didn't look like a man about to depart Fir Park, that was further reaffirmed at Easter Road. I really hope he gives us one more season.
Motherwell have reached a financial agreement with Toulouse for manager Jens Berthel Askou and the Dane is finalising details with the French club. (Sacha Tavolieri on X), external
Reports that Motherwell and Toulouse have reached a financial agreement for Jens Berthel Askou are premature. (Graeme McGarry on X), external
Centre-half Liam Gordon, the 30-year-old who is out of contract with Motherwell, is hoping to agree a new deal whether or not Jens Berthel Askou remains as manager. (The Scotsman), external
Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Image source, SNSFrench Ligue 1 side Toulouse have made an official approach to Motherwell for manager Jens Berthel Askou.
The 43-year-old Dane impressed during his first campaign in Scotland as he led Motherwell to a fourth-place Scottish Premiership finish while arguably playing the best football in the country.
Well fans, how do you feel about the approach from Toulouse? Does it feel inevitable Askou will leave this summer or might he stick around for European football next term?
