The start of a new season always brings a degree of positivity and enthusiasm for the marathon that awaits the team and its fans. As the 2025/26 league season began at Fir Park, Jens Berthel Askou and his squad were met with the first big challenge in their opening fixtures.  But the month of August, on paper at least, looked to be littered with challenges and obstacles.  Five games, one last 16 Premier Sports Cup tie and three away games on the spin – it looked to be a testing start. Emmanuel Longelo and Elliot Watt take us through the month of August, providing insight into playing in these matches, the mood from camp and ambition for the future.

Tawanda Maswanhise has experienced a lot during his 12 months in Scotland so far. A successful trial, two contract extensions, last-minute winners and some lows along the way.  But alongside his successful and thriving Motherwell career comes the duty of representing his country. The Zimbabwean international is ready to go on his next international quest, and he shows what comes along with him on these trips around the world. The winger also opens up about his Zimbabwean heritage, growing up through the Leicester Academy system, a sensible approach to football and future targets here in North Lanarkshire.

With one game before the first international break of the season, Motherwell were still on the hunt for their first win of the Premiership season.  Jens Berthel Askou's men were still undefeated going into the match against Kilmarnock but were keen to go one step further and secure the first three points. The start was far from ideal, however, with Kilmarnock opening the scoring at Fir Park. The squad rallied, however, and just on the cusp of half time, Tawanda Maswanhise netted a leveller, the Zimbabwean's second goal in as many matches. Fir Park was re-energised at the start of the second-half, and the Steelmen went on the hunt for the second goal. And it arrived through Emmanuel Longelo, who volleyed into the bottom corner for his third league goal in four matches. The good work would come undone, however, in the closing stages, when Kilmarnock scored a second from close range with very little time remaining. In the end, there was nothing to separate the two sides on the scoreline. But on the pitch, it was Motherwell who left more disappointed, but the mood in ML1 remains positive, with a trip to Dundee up next.

Jens Berthel Askou gives his thoughts on drawing with Kilmarnock.

Chief Executive Brian Caldwell speaks after a positive start to proceedings in the 2025/26 season. Caldwell discusses Jens Berthel Askou's tenure as manager so far, as well as further transfer dealings the club may be involved in prior to Monday's deadline.  Caldwell also provides an update at Boardroom level, the importance of the supporters' input and hitting 4000 season ticket sales.

Manager Jens Berthel Askou refuses to get drawn into any narratives or added emotion involving the return of former manager Stuart Kettlewell on Saturday, with the boss focused on the action on the pitch alone. The manager discusses the recent praise his side have received for their performances of late, and how winning the first league of the season isn't just the sole objective.

Lukas Fadinger talks about his move from Austria this summer and also touches on the style being implemented at the club.  The Austrian is looking for the team to go one better than they did on Saturday against Hearts, as they search for their first win of the league season.

"I'm pretty sure he nutmegged two players without even touching the ball." 😳 Liam Gordon names his strongest team made of players he's play with, and players he's played against ⚽️

Motherwell played their third away game in a row, this time travelling to the capital to face Hearts at Tynecastle. Looking to build on the unbeaten and impressive start to the competitive season, Motherwell started brightly and started to play their immensely attractive football.  The hosts couldn't cope with the Steelmen's play, and goals from Callum Slattery, Tawanda Maswanhise and Emmanuel Longelo had them three to the good midway through the second half. But despite the outstanding play and large domination of the match, Motherwell were not out of sight. Hearts got the game back to 3-3 with five minutes left to play, setting the game up for a grandstand finish. Both sides looked likely at finding the winner, but neither could convert.

The manager reacts to drawing with Hearts at Tynecastle.

Jens Berthel Askou is pleased from the buy-in seen from the number of supporters who have been following the team home and away so far this season. With 300 new season ticket holders, 6000 home fans against Rangers and 1500 away fans against St Johnstone, he is not surprised the away end is sold out already for Saturday's match against Hearts.  The manager discusses the thought process of bringing Callum Hendry to the club, future incoming transfers and the state of play regarding the current injured players at the club.

Calum Ward has grasped his chance with both hands since and says he's enjoying the amount of minutes he's currently getting.  Ward has adapted well to the new system being implemented by the manager, and is learning with every minute played this season.