Johansson stepped into one of the toughest roles imaginable, taking over from Askou and the sizeable legacy he left behind. Despite only one season in the Scottish Premiership, the Dane won admirers far beyond Lanarkshire for his outlook, demeanor, and style of play.
It’s striking how smoothly Johansson has carried that momentum forward, all the more so given the departures of key figures Elijah Just, Elliot Watt, Callum Slattery, and Calum Ward.
Few saw Askou’s impact up close like Halliday, who spent his final playing season under him. He believes Johansson has retained many of the same core principles. Halliday—who leapt from his seat when Said netted his second against the Finns—told BBC Sportsound he loves what Motherwell represent: a progressive club proving a different way can succeed.
He praised their squad building, academy pathway, attractive football, and the smart move to replace a top coach with someone aligned in approach. Still, he feels one or two signings—especially a proven goalscorer—would complete the picture.
Across Scottish football, Halliday hopes others take notice. With a couple more attacking additions, he says, Motherwell can be every bit as good as last season.